German vice chancellor rules out Turkey’s imminent accession to EU
Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s vice chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the coalition government, has ruled out the possibility of Turkey joining the European Union in the near future, saying he does not see Turkey joining the EU during his political career.
“Even if you're very optimistic about my political career, I certainly won't see Turkey becoming a member of this EU,” Gabriel, 56, said Sunday.
The EU was rattled late June when British voters decided in a referendum for their country to pull out of the 28-nation bloc. The continental body has also been grappling with an exodus of refugees hitting its borders since the start of last year, prompting officials to clinch a deal with Turkey last March to curb the flow. The EU promised privileges to Turkey as part of the deal such as accelerated talks on joining the body.
However, Gabriel said even if Ankara met all the entry requirements tomorrow, the EU would not be in a position to take Turkey in.
“How would that work in a European Union that is currently losing one of its most important member states, that has been rattled, that doesn't know how it should reorganize itself?,” asked Gabriel, saying one logistical problem was Turkey's large population, which stands at about 79 million according to the World Bank.
He said Turkey could hope instead to become a partner "in an outer ring" of a changed EU.
Turkey’s relations with the EU have seen fresh tensions since an abortive coup attempt in the country in mid-July.
The EU says Ankara has been acting beyond the rule of law in its dealing with the coup plotters and sympathizers. Turkey says Brussels has failed to properly condemn the coup attempt.
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