The Scottish government has outlined its plans to rejoin the European Union (EU) in a new policy paper, stating that the process would be smooth and quick after independence. The benefits of EU membership highlighted in the paper include access to the single market, joint access to free trade agreements, EU funding for Scottish agriculture, and participation in the Erasmus+ university exchange program. However, the issue of independence faces obstacles, as both the UK Conservatives and Labour oppose a referendum, and polls show no majority support for independence in Scotland. Scotland would pursue the normal accession process, known as Article 49, and seek a transitional arrangement for access to the single market while awaiting full membership.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Turkey could "part ways" with the European Union if necessary, in response to a European Parliament report stating that Turkey's accession process cannot resume under current circumstances. The report called for the EU to explore alternative frameworks for its ties with Ankara. Accession talks between Turkey and the EU have stalled in recent years due to concerns over human rights violations and the rule of law. Erdogan accused the EU of trying to break away from Turkey, while Turkey's Foreign Ministry criticized the report for containing unfounded allegations and prejudices.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey could "part ways" with the European Union if necessary, in response to a European Parliament report that said Turkey's accession process cannot resume under current circumstances. The report called for the EU to explore alternative frameworks for its ties with Ankara. Turkey has been an official candidate to join the EU for 24 years, but accession talks have stalled due to concerns over human rights violations and the rule of law.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey could "part ways" with the European Union if necessary, in response to a European Parliament report that stated Turkey's accession process cannot resume under current circumstances. The report called for the EU to explore alternative frameworks for its ties with Ankara. Turkey has been an official candidate to join the EU for 24 years, but talks have stalled due to concerns over human rights violations and the rule of law. Turkey's Foreign Ministry criticized the report, calling it shallow and non-visionary.
European Council President Charles Michel has called for the European Union to be ready for enlargement by 2030, stating that "enlargement is no longer a dream." While eight countries hold candidate status, the accession process has stalled for many in the Western Balkans. Michel emphasized that enlargement should be a merit-based process, requiring adherence to rule of law, economic standards, and foreign policy alignment with Brussels. He also suggested that the EU's long-term budget and institutional framework should consider enlargement goals. However, the challenge lies in convincing Europeans of the enlargement project and ensuring their support.
President Biden welcomes President Erdoğan's commitment to advancing Sweden's NATO accession process, expressing readiness to work with Turkey on enhancing defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area. He looks forward to welcoming Sweden as the 32nd NATO Ally and thanks Secretary General Stoltenberg for his leadership.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the EU to speed up Ukraine's accession process as a reward for its contribution to Europe's security in fighting off Russia's invasion. Ukraine has been pushing its European partners to quickly integrate it into the bloc, but Brussels has carefully avoided endorsing Kyiv's ambitious targets.
