Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn expressed his hope that "Turkey's words will quickly turn into tangible and lasting actions that demonstrate its genuine goodwill towards the European Union."
According to Agence France-Presse, Asselborn warned that "no one will turn a blind eye; the European Union remains determined to defend its interests and those of its member states, as well as to maintain regional stability." The agency noted that the European Union has recognized Turkey's intention to ease relations with it, but they cautioned against mere "declarations of intent," as the EU desires "tangible actions."
The relationship between the European Union and Turkey is currently tense due to several issues, particularly the disputes with Greece and Cyprus, the disagreement with France, violations of the UN arms embargo in Libya, and aggressive military movements in the Eastern Mediterranean. European leaders decided in December to impose sanctions on Ankara for its continued unilateral gas drilling operations in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. The Europeans will add new names to a list initiated in November 2019, which includes officials from the Turkish oil company, barring them from obtaining visas and freezing their assets in the EU.
Ankara has a two-month deadline to convince the European Union of its goodwill. Josep Borrell will present a report on the political, economic, and trade relations between the EU and Turkey and will propose options to European leaders during a summit scheduled for March. Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership for over 15 years, but its bid has stalled due to tensions in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas with Greece, as well as Turkey's involvement in conflicts in Syria and Libya and between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in addition to Ankara's opening of the city of Maraş in the Turkish part of Cyprus.
