The European Council conducted a strategic discussion on EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the joint communication from the High Representative and the Commission regarding the situation of political, economic, and trade relations between the EU and Turkey.
The European Union emphasises its strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.
The European Council assigns the Permanent Representatives, respecting the competencies of the relevant institutional bodies, to advance the work on the recommendations of the joint communication in line with previous conclusions of the European Council and in a gradual, proportional, and reversible manner, with the possibility of additional guidance from the European Council.
Turkey’s constructive commitment will significantly contribute to promoting various areas of cooperation outlined in the joint communication, the conclusions state.
In this context, leaders stress that the European Union attaches particular importance to resuming and progressing with negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus issue to further enhance EU-Turkey cooperation.
Recalling previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and the principles on which the Union is based, and in line with the acquis.
The European Council welcomes the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus. The European Union is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the process under the UN leadership, using all appropriate means at its disposal, conclude the “27”.
