Turkey: need of urgent reforms in key areas, say MEPs

The European Parliament's plenary session argued on 14 April 2016 that cooperation between Turkey and the European Union on migration should be uncoupled from the accession negotiating process.

MEPs praised Turkey for hosting such a large refugee population in result of instability in nearby region, and noted that it remained a 'key strategic partner for the EU'. Nonetheless, the plenary called for progress on rule of law and fundamental values and 'a structured and more frequent political dialogue on thematic issues'.

One of the texts analysed by the plenary session called for Turkish to become an official language of the European Union.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Greece begins refugee deportations under EU plan http://www.europeansources.info/record/greece-begins-refugee-deportations-under-eu-plan/

ESO: Background information: Turkish police raid Zaman HQs, fire tear gas on readers after gov’t takeover http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkish-police-raid-zaman-hqs-fire-tear-gas-on-readers-after-govt-takeover/

EurActiv, 14.04.16: Turkey rejects European Parliament report as ‘null and void’ http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/turkey-rejects-european-parliament-report-as-null-and-void/

Deutsche Welle, 14.04.16: European Parliament slams Turkey over deterioration of rights and democracy http://dw.com/p/1IW3U

Hürriyet Daily News, 14.04.16: European Parliament warns Turkey over ‘backsliding’ of democracy http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/european-parliament-warns-turkey-over-backsliding-of-democracy-.aspx?PageID=238&NID=97813&NewsCatID=510

Euronews, 13.04.16: MEPs scrutinise EU-Turkey migration deal http://www.euronews.com/2016/04/13/meps-scrutinise-eu-turkey-migration-deal/

EurActiv, 15.04.16: MEPs call for Turkish becoming EU language http://www.euractiv.com/section/languages-culture/news/meps-call-for-turkish-becoming-eu-language/

Euro|Topics: Debates, April 2016: The EU and Turkey - the million-dollar question http://www.eurotopics.net/en/157848/the-eu-and-turkey-the-million-dollar-question

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