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Thomas Hans Ossowski, head of the European Union delegation to Türkiye, condemned the continued visa requirements imposed on Türkiye despite its strategic importance and NATO membership, describing the situation as “shameful” on Tuesday.
Speaking during a press briefing in Brussels, Ossowski emphasized that Türkiye and the E.U. share an intertwined fate and reiterated the urgent need to resume visa liberalization talks. “We all know the current situation is unsustainable,” he said, highlighting that Türkiye has fulfilled 66 out of 72 required criteria.
The E.U. official pointed to double standards in visa policies, noting that Ukrainians fleeing conflict can enter the E.U. visa-free, while Turks — citizens of a NATO ally — remain subject to lengthy visa procedures. “Even countries like Venezuela and Colombia, with significant challenges, enjoy visa-free travel,” he added.
Ossowski called for political will on both sides to finalize the remaining six criteria and stressed that the current system is “unacceptable and embarrassing” for all parties involved.
He also touched on broader cooperation, urging reforms in Türkiye related to political freedoms and judicial transparency, while reaffirming the E.U.’s commitment to maintaining strategic engagement with Türkiye.
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