The European Commission sent a clear message to Turkey to refrain from using threats or actions that harm neighbourly relations with Greece. “Turkey must stop all threats and actions that harm good neighborly relations and respect the sovereignty of all EU member states in their territorial waters and airspace,” said Peter Stano, the Commission’s foreign policy chief.

Asked by Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent provocative statements, Stano noted that “the EU has always been clear that we expect Turkey to behave constructively, to refrain from steps that escalate tension – from rhetoric or actions – and to commit to building good neighborly relations, not the reverse. ”

“We have repeatedly stated that any open issue must be dealt with peacefully, through dialogue, in good faith, and in full respect of International Law,” he stressed.

“Otherwise, the EU and its Member States would have to consider an appropriate response. This was clearly stated twice last year by European leaders and this remains our position to this day.”

In addition, Peter Stano stressed that “the EU has been very clear in many cases that we are willing and ready to commit to Turkey – gradually, proportionately and reversibly to strengthen co-operation in various areas of common interest, under certain conditions.” that Ankara should “commit to de-escalation and de-escalation must be maintained”.

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