Europe giving up on Turkey as it moves away from democratic values

The European Council announced on Wednesday that Turkey is moving away further from European Union membership criteria, in particular from democratic values and the rule of law.

The stunning comments came during the Council’s working dinner where The EU – Turkey relations and the situation in the neighboring country were discussed

During the meeting European leaders also expressed concern for Turkey’s role in the region and decided to consider cutting back the funds allocated to Ankara as part of its stagnant accession process.

In his speech, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed that democracy and the rule of law in Turkey could potentially affect Greece’s defense, security and public order.

Prime Minister Tsipras referred extensively to the Turkish offensive air traffic activity in the Aegean, stressing that this activity, coupled with Turkey’s attitude towards the Republic of Cyprus, should be crucial issues regarding Euro-Turkish relations.