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No EU call for Türkiye to exit, says Council of Europe spokesperson

By Selin Atay
Apr 27, 2024 10:00 AM

Daniel Holtgen emphasizes Türkiye’s foundational role in the Council of Europe, highlighting Türkiye’s history as a proud, significant and influential member

Türkiye continues its effective role in the activities of the Council of Europe, and there are no signs or calls for Türkiye to exit, said the spokesperson for the Council of Europe Daniel Holtgen.

He dispelled any speculation about Türkiye’s potential exit from the council, stating: “There are no calls within the council for Türkiye to exit.”

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Daniel Höltgen is the director of communications at the Council of Europe, a position he has held since 2010. He previously worked in senior positions for the German government and European Union. (Council of Europe)
 
 
 
 

Holtgen reaffirmed Türkiye’s foundational role in the Council of Europe, highlighting Türkiye’s history not only as a founding member since 1949 but also as a proud, significant and influential member. 

‘No voices within the Council of Europe for Türkiye’s exit’

Daniel Holtgen speaks at a press visit arranged by the EU Delegation to Türkiye hosted by the French Foreign Ministry, April 26, 2024. (AA Photo)
Daniel Holtgen speaks at a press visit arranged by the EU Delegation to Türkiye hosted by the French Foreign Ministry, April 26, 2024 (AA Photo)

Türkiye’s longstanding candidacy for EU membership was also noted separately, indicating its parallel engagement with another significant European body.

Although the council’s agenda has expanded to include priorities like protecting Ukraine, its core focus remains issues such as the rule of law, the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression and assembly, and combatting discrimination.

Holtgen said that despite occasional discussions of Türkiye leaving the council or suspending its voting rights, there have been no calls for sanctions against Türkiye within the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe was set up on May 5, 1949, by 10 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, joined by Greece and Türkiye later in August 1949.
 
Source: Newsroom
Last Updated:  May 31, 2024 7:58 PM
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