Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of the European Council Charles Michel discussed the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean over the phone on Sunday.
According to an official statement, Erdoğan told Michel the EU's stance towards the East Mediterranean would be "a test of sincerity from the perspective of international law and regional peace."
"President Erdogan called on EU institutions and member countries to behave responsibly and remain just, impartial and objective on all regional issues, notably the Eastern Mediterranean," it added.
Michel had said on Friday that European Union leaders will decide on a "carrot and stick" approach to Turkey when they meet at a summit in Brussels on September 24-25.
The top EU leader also reaffirmed the EU's full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus.
It is recalled government spokesman Stelios Petsas stated that if Turkey does not take actual steps toward de-escalation, “things will become very difficult for [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan at the European Council.”
Speaking on Skai TV on Saturday, he warned Turkey of more European Union sanctions over its energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“For the first time we have a list of sanctions, which are strict and can be implemented in whole or in part,” Petsas underlined.
