European Council conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East and Türkiye, 17 April 2024

The European Council held a strategic debate on EU-Türkiye relations, taking note of the Joint Communication of the High Representative and Commission on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations.

III. TÜRKİYE

9. The European Council held a strategic debate on EU-Türkiye relations, taking note of the Joint Communication of the High Representative and Commission on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations. The European Union has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye. The European Council tasks Coreper, respecting the competences of the relevant institutions, to advance work on the recommendations of the Joint Communication in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, subject to additional guidance from the European Council. Türkiye’s own constructive engagement will be instrumental in advancing the various areas of cooperation identified in the Joint Communication.

10. In this regard, the European Union attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded and the acquis. The European Council welcomes the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus. The European Union is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal.