The issue of “the cutting of European funds to Turkey as it continues to threaten Greece” is raised, in a question to the finance commissioners, by the MEP of the New Democracy, Giorgos Avtias.
As he stresses in a statement, “Greece’s international successes and its alliances annoy and irritate Turkey. Following the decision of the leaders of the European People’s Party to propose to the next European Union summit to discuss Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which stipulates that every country in Europe must be protected if it is attacked by armed forces on its territory, the Turks nevertheless continue to threaten.”
The full question to Valdis Dombrovskis and Piotr Serafin reads as follows:
“Turkey is annoyed by the legitimate choices the Greek government has made to shield the country. Ankara is irritated about Greece’s relations with Israel, France and the United States. It is incredibly annoyed at being excluded from SAFE defense funding. The Turks are even threatening energy giant Chevron, which operates south of Crete. At the same time, Turkey is promoting, through statements by top officials, the Blue Homeland narrative, which is directed against Greece’s sovereignty.
Based on these facts, please ask:
* Will you continue to provide European funds to Turkey as it threatens an EU country?
* When do you intend to apply financial safeguards to funds intended for third countries when they consistently violate international law?
