What next for EU-Turkey relations?

What next for EU-Turkey relations?
By Euronews
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets French counterpart in Paris on Friday

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Paris on Friday to meet his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Syria and America’s move, recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, are likely to fuel discussions.

But Ankara’s ailing bid to join the EU is likely to remain stagnant.

“On the question of negotiations between the EU and Turkey, I don’t believe the visit will bring progress because the dismantling of the rule of law, in the context of European values, is now enshrined in Turkish law,” said analyst Marc Pierini, from Carnegie Europe.

Turkey’s membership talks started more than a decade ago and have hit the rocks.

An Elysee source has said the question of human rights will be raised when Macron and Erdogan meet.

“The real question in my opinion is the fight against terrorism which concerns both Turkey and France and some other countries, like Belgium and Germany. Secondly, what is going to happen with the future of the customs union,” said Pierini.

The EU has been critical of Ankara’s security crackdown after last year’s failed coup, which saw thousands removed from their jobs, and numerous arrests.

Turkey’s talking does not stop in the French capital. Ankara’s foreign minister is due to meet his counterpart in Germany next week.

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