Support messages arrived from the EP-Turkey Forum against the US sanctions. During a period when the relations between Turkey and the EU are tense, the fact that such message arrived from the EP which is usually known for its harsh criticisms towards Turkey, brings about a hope for a new rapprochement between Turkey and the EU.

German EP member who is of Turkish descent İsmail Ertuğ, and the wife of the former Sweden Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt are the co-chairs of the EP-Turkey Forum. Turkey rapporteur Kati Piri is also among the members of the forum.

It is stated in the statement that the US’ doubling of tariffs on steel and aluminium is illegitimate and against the WTO rules. It is emphasised that the sharp depreciation of the Turkish Lira is primarily affecting consumers and lowering their standards of living and it is reminded that the economic destabilisation of Turkey is in no one’s interest. It is stated that “As one of the EU’s largest trade partners, an economically prosperous, stable and democratic Turkey is on our concerns and interests, too.” As NATO allies, the US and Turkey to solve their problems through constructive diplomatic engagement is encouraged.

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu described this statement as pleasing. Chairman Zeytinoğlu remarked as follows:

“EP-Turkey Forum, which is co-chaired by İsmail Ertuğ and Anna Maria Bildt, issued a significant statement today. The statement criticises the sanctions imposed on Turkey by the US and reminds that destabilisation is in no one’s interest. The fact that a group in the EP has clearly taken a stand in favour of Turkey in the crisis with the US is of utmost importance. We see a hegemony struggle against China in the world where the US adopts a confrontational approach and uses customs duties as a weapon. As we are in a period of uncertainty where the global balances are shifting, a rapprochement between the EU and Turkey is getting necessary. Our friends in the EP have seen that and expressed their supports for Turkey clearly. We are inviting the other EU authorities to take action towards the rejuvenation of relations with Turkey.”