Neither the EU nor Turkey Want the Country to Join the European Union Anymore: EPP Leader

In an interview with Funke media group, Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, stated that neither the EU nor Turkey wants the country to join the European Union anymore.

“Recent years have shown that close partnership is important, but no one wants Turkey's full membership in the EU,” Weber's remarks quoted by TASS read.

He recalled that accession negotiations began in 2005 but have practically been frozen for several years. According to the parliamentarian, this process should be completely stopped, as it hinders rather than helps relations between the EU and Turkey.

At the same time, Weber noted that the EU should cooperate with Turkey on issues concerning Ukraine, migration, and the economy.

“Now, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan must immediately approve Sweden's NATO membership,” added the EPP leader.

Just the day before, Erdoğan had won the presidential elections with 52% of the votes.

Earlier, Politico reported that in the event of an expansion of association, the EU would have to make a choice between Ukraine and Turkey.