| Author (Person) | Gotev, Georgi |
|---|---|
| Series Title | EurActiv |
| Series Details | 10.05.16 |
| Publication Date | 10/05/2016 |
| Content Type | News |
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German newspaper Bild reported on 10 May 2016 that the European Union had started preparing a plan B in case the migration deal with Turkey eventually collapsed. The potential collapse of the deal became evident following internal political developments in Turkey, as well as a harder stance from president Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the roadmap imposed by the EU towards visa liberalisation, an essential part of the migration deal. According to the report, the plan B included a transfer to Greece of those funds previously allocated to Turkey in order to deal with the migration inflow. Mr Erdogan indicated on 10 May 2016 that he expected the EU's visa policy towards Turkey to have changed by October 2016, countering an earlier date set for June. However, reports suggested the European Parliament had stopped working on the Commission's proposal to lift visas. An adviser to the Turkish president later warned once again that they would let refugees travel to Europe should the visa requirements not be lifted for nationals. On 12 May 2016, Turkey's minister for European affairs Volkan Bozkir stated it would be very difficult for an agreement to be reached. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on the 12 May 2016 that the EU - Turkey deal to allow visa free travel would collapse if Turkey did not fulfil its commitments. Mr Erdogan reacted angrily. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/bild-greek-plan-b-reported-if-eu-turkey-deal-collapses/ |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Greece, Turkey |
