Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003022/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Any discussion about Türkiye’s participation in European defence is ironic.
Türkiye has repeatedly violated the second and third pillar provisions on stability and human rights of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on European arms exports. The country has carried out military attacks in Syria and Iraq without an international mandate, with the support of non-state armed groups and using European weapons in acts of internal repression: (a) against unarmed Kurds, with technical know-how and weapons from Iveco (Italy), Mercedes-Benz, Rheinmetall, MAN, Heckler, Koch G3, HK33 (Germany), Renault Trucks Defense, Alsetex (France), Chemring (England); (b) repression of protests in Gezi (2013), where Turkish security forces used excessive force, tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons (TOMA), manufactured by Turkish companies (such as Katmerciler) with components and technology imported from European countries, mainly Germany (water pumps, engines), while tear gas and repressive equipment had been imported from companies in Germany, Britain and France; (c) in the wake of the coup (July 2016), with excessive force and human rights violations in operations using German vehicles (MAN, Mercedes-Benz); (d) repression of social protests (2015-2023); (e) the documented use of tear gas and rubber bullets of European origin (Human Rights Watch). The continuing aggression against Greece and Cyprus directly violates the requirement of the Common Position not to threaten regional peace and security.
Does the Commission intend to propose a total ban on the export of equipment / technological know-how to Türkiye/Turkish businesses, or does it prefer to discredit itself?
Submitted: 21.7.2025