Erdogan suggests that Turkey has the potential to separate from the European Union.

On Saturday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey suggested that Ankara might consider terminating its bid for European Union membership, indicating a potential divergence from the EU.

He informed journalists in Istanbul before departing for New York, where he will participate in the 78th UN General Assembly, that the European Union is attempting to distance itself from Turkey.

When questioned about the European Parliament report on Turkey, Erdogan stated that we will assess these developments ourselves and potentially sever ties with the European Union if deemed necessary.

Erdogan’s statement on Saturday came more than a week after Turkey’s foreign minister affirmed his country’s resolve to join the EU and urged the bloc to take courageous steps to advance its bid.

What was the subject of the European Parliament report?

The report, adopted earlier this week, said Turkey’s accession process with the EU cannot resume under current circumstances. It also called for the European Union to explore “a parallel and realistic framework” for its ties with Ankara.

The European Parliament report was criticized by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry for being “unfounded” and “based on disinformation.” The ministry further stated that the report made baseless accusations and displayed biases, while also lacking depth and foresight in its assessment of Turkey’s relationship with the EU.

The discussions between Turkey and the EU about joining the EU have been happening since 2005, but they are currently at a standstill due to the EU’s worries about the declining state of law and human rights in Turkey.

After being reelected in May, Erdogan urged for the resumption of talks to join the EU. In July, he proposed that the EU should accept Turkey into the group if it desired Sweden’s membership in NATO.

dh/sms (dpa, Reuters)