European Parliament
Françoise Grossetête (PPE-DE ),
in writing
. –
(FR)
I abstained from voting on this report.
The report presented in plenary has the virtue of finally seeing things as they are. For a very long time, Parliament demonstrated naïve optimism on this issue. This report is more solid than previous reports, but I regret the lack of courage shown by Parliament on the issue of the recognition of the Armenian genocide. That is why I decided to abstain from the final vote.
For years now, I have been opposed to Turkey’s joining the European Union, but I would ask for a privileged partnership to be set up with that country. More MEPs have now adopted this position, which was still very much a minority position a few years ago.
Turkey does not recognise one of the Member States of the European Union – the Republic of Cyprus – and has been occupying it for 30 years! Turkey does not recognise the Armenian genocide. Turkey does not approve of freedom of association, and 97% of its territory is situated outside Europe.
Europe has a duty to help this country on the road to democracy, but because of its geography, history and culture, Turkey cannot claim to be part of the European Union’s political project.

