Top EU lawmaker says Turkey ties at risk after İmamoğlu's jailing
The leader of the conservative European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament has said that the basis for cooperation between the EU and Turkey is at risk following the imprisonment of Turkish opposition politician Ekrem İmamoğlu.
"The EU wants a close partnership with Turkey, but that can only work on the basis of shared values," EPP leader Manfred Weber told dpa, adding that the use of the judiciary as a political weapon was incompatible with these values.
Weber accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of leading the country "on the wrong track," adding that the rule of law and democracy in Turkey were at risk.
İmamoğlu, a key rival of Erdoğan, was jailed on Sunday over corruption charges and is facing a separate probe over terror allegations. He denies the charges. On Sunday he was also "temporarily" suspended as mayor of Istanbul.
Despite his imprisonment, Turkey's main opposition party, the secular CHP, named İmamoğlu as its presidential candidate on Sunday.
Possible cancellation of talks under discussion
In the EU, the possible cancellation of planned talks on expanding cooperation with Turkey was discussed in light of the recent developments.
The talks had been announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen just days before İmamoğlu's arrest.
According to available information, preparations had been made for an EU-Turkey dialogue on economic issues in April, as well as another on migration and security.
The plans were based on a mandate from EU heads of state and government at a summit in April 2024, where it was agreed that relations with Turkey should be strengthened if possible — particularly given its key role in stabilizing the eastern Mediterranean and addressing migration challenges.
Previously, initiatives such as the modernization of the customs union and visa liberalization had been put on hold due to concerns over the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.
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