France wants to propose abolishing the customs union between the EU and Turkey

France denounces the policy of destabilization led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. © LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL / AFP

According to information from Europe 1, the government will propose abolishment of the customs union with Turkey to the European Council. This sanction would be a response to the aggressive rhetoric of Turkish President Erdogan towards the French president in particular, as well as his offensive policy in the Mediterranean.

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Regarding Erdogan, the response is clear. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had issued a warning to the Turkish president on Europe 1, hinting possible European sanctions, without specifying their nature, if Erdogan’s offensive policy in the eastern Mediterranean and his declarations of “hatred” against Emmanuel Macron in particular, whom he accuses of Islamophobia continues. The European Union wants to know more about it.

This allows tax-free economic exchanges and greatly benefits the Turkish economy. The French government is therefore ready to use great means against Turkey by attacking the wallet. Within the government, it is confirmed that this avenue is being studied, but that it will require the agreement of the other heads of government of the Union.

An unwieldy weapon

With this proposal, France wants to show that it is at the forefront of resistance to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s policy of destabilization. As France is waging a war against political Islam, the Turkish president likes to portray himself as the defender of Muslims against what he calls a “hate campaign” waged by France. At the top of the state, however, some point to Turkey’s internal difficulties and the contradictions in its speech.

However, the weapon of economic sanctions remains delicate to handle. It could, for example, have a boomerang effect on French companies established in Turkey.

Source: europe1.fr