What requirements does Merkel make for Türkiye to join the EU?

Merkel expressed her views on the refugee treaty signed by the EU and Turkey in an interview on May 3. She also said that if Turkey wants to join the EU, it cannot reinstate the death penalty. The foundations of the European Union.

In an interview with Cologne City News on May 3, Merkel said that as prime minister, she would pay close attention to some "worrying" situations in Turkey and express her own opinions. She dismissed the notion that the EU-Turkey refugee treaty was a "blackmail" against Turkey. Merkel said the refugee treaty was in Turkey's interests because it played an important role in combating criminal organizations along Turkey's coast. Moreover, for the three million Syrian refugees that Turkey has received, the EU will provide economic assistance to Turkey in accordance with the provisions of the treaty.

Merkel also said that good exchanges with Turkey are in the interests of both parties, but Erdogan's insistence on reintroducing the death penalty is tantamount to "shattering the cornerstone of Turkey's EU accession negotiations."

On May 2, Erdogan issued an "ultimatum" to the EU. He threatened that the EU had no choice but to reopen Turkey's EU accession negotiations. "If it does not start, goodbye." !" According to reports, the EU decided in December last year that it has no plans to reopen Turkey's EU accession negotiations, which have basically stalled.

Turkey held a constitutional referendum on April 16, 2017. Erdogan won with a slim majority of 51.4%, and Turkey shifted from a democratic peace system to a presidential system. After winning the constitutional referendum, Erdogan announced that the reinstatement of the death penalty would be back on the agenda.