Upcoming sanctions: EU mobilizes against Erdogan’s violations

Nahla Abdel Moneim

Ankara, under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), is facing widespread European criticism for its policies that threaten the security of its neighbors. European Union foreign ministers met on Monday, July 13 to discuss the strained relations with Turkey, most importantly its illegal exploration of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, its provocation of Cyprus and hostility towards Greece, and its interception of French warships in the Mediterranean.

Turkey’s incursion and abuses in Libya and Syria are also among the important issues that Europe seeks to resolve in order to undermine the invading sultan’s ambitions in the Middle East, which affects the interests of different countries.

France steps up against Ankara

On the sidelines of the meeting, French Defense Minister Florence Parly stressed on July 13 that Paris rejects Ankara’s efforts to bring terrorist and mercenary elements from Syria to Libya, noting that all these crimes are documented by the United Nations. She added that her country supports a political and peaceful solution in Libya rather than foreign interference that further complicates matters.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the Senate that Turkey’s interference in Libya poses a major threat to the security and stability of Europe, as it portends a wave of refugees and new immigrants.

Austria calls for sanctions

Countries have been calling for deterrent sanctions against the Erdogan regime to curb its ambitions in the region. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer announced on July 12 that his country intends to issue strong decisions against Ankara, in addition to taking diplomatic measures and seeking comprehensive European sanctions.

Nehammer stressed that the Turkish government has been involved in destabilizing some EU countries, adding that it is time to hold the Erdogan regime accountable for the problems and conspiracies it causes. He noted that Turkey was behind the riots and violence that took place over several days in the capital Vienna at the end of June.

According to the information received by the Austrian government, Ankara was behind a street war in Vienna between Kurds and Turks. It then claimed through Turkish media that the Austrian police had dealt violently with the protesters and pointing out that freedom of peaceful protest is guaranteed to all citizens, in an attempt to add fuel to the situation.

The minister stressed that Turkey should be held accountable for the hostile actions of its intelligence services against the peoples and governments of the region.

Greece accuses Ankara of violating its sovereignty

For its part, Greece announced that it would ask the European Union to take strict measures against the Turkish government. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stressed that his country would ask the EU to respond harshly to Turkey’s grave violations against the sovereignty of its international neighbors, adding that EU countries should not remain idle in the face of Erdogan’s provocations and that it is necessary to put an end to these matters and ensure that they do not recur.

In a sharp tone, the minister pointed out the readiness of his country’s armed forces in the event of any possible military conflict with Ankara, pointing out that Erdogan does not adhere to international law or institute its standards.

This came as accusations between Turkey and Greece have escalated against the backdrop of Ankara demarcating its maritime borders with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and ignoring the existence of a Greek island between them. Athens considers this an encroachment on its sovereignty and is demanding the United Nations not to recognize the agreement.

Turkish-European complexities

It seems that European countries have started to form a strong bloc against Erdogan’s regime and its regional ambitions that threaten their interests, but will they be able to impose sanctions against it or escalate the diplomatic or even military approach?

According to Radio Monte Carlo, EU countries are looking to find a mechanism to confront the Turkish government, but the file of refugees and migrants keeps their hands tied, as Erdogan frequently uses the Syrian refugees in his country to extort Europe, employing them politically and financially to pass some of his ambitions. Turkey also controls the Russian gas pipelines passing to the European Union. Radio Monte Carlo noted that these difficulties must be dealt with by imposing deterrent sanctions on the Turkish regime to undermine its violations.