‘Türkiye cannot become Europe’s migrant parking lot’

The Readmission Agreement, signed between Türkiye and the EU in 2013 to combat irregular migration, took effect in 2014. According to the agreement, the EU would provide economic support to Türkiye and grant visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.

However, Türkiye has been waiting for the EU’s economic support for an extended period, and there has been minimal progress on visa liberalization in the past decade. As of June 7, Türkiye hosts 4.47 million registered migrants.

The failure to fulfill promises has heightened frustrations, with securing visa appointment dates becoming increasingly difficult.

Calls to end Readmission Agreement

Attention now turns to the Readmission Agreement following statements from Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), who asserted that “the Readmission Agreement should be terminated.”

Turhan Cozmez, a member of Parliament for the Good Party (IYI Party – IP) from Balikesir, announced their proposal to cancel the agreement.

‘No country wants to be in Türkiye’s position’

“The Readmission Agreement, which is against our interests and was made with the EU, should be canceled. Türkiye cannot become Europe’s migrant parking lot.”

Metin Kulunk of the AK Party

Similarly, Naim Baburoglu, an academic at Istanbul Aydin University, emphasized: “The Readmission Agreement, which threatens Türkiye’s integrity, must be immediately canceled. No country wants to be in Türkiye’s position, as Türkiye hosts more refugees than all European countries combined. No country in the world would take such a risk. This agreement has become an existential issue for Türkiye.”

What is EU-Türkiye Readmission Agreement?

The EU-Türkiye Readmission Agreement was signed on Dec. 16, 2013, and came into force on Oct. 1, 2014. It is a crucial part of the roadmap for visa liberalization between Türkiye and the EU.

Key provisions

• The agreement regulates the readmission of nationals of both parties, stateless persons, and third-country nationals covered by bilateral readmission treaties with Türkiye.
• Regulations for readmission of other third-country nationals will come into force three years later.
• It establishes a reciprocal system for the rapid readmission of individuals who have entered or stayed irregularly in the other party’s territory.

According to EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom, the agreement aims to manage irregular migration flows from Türkiye to the EU more effectively.

Importance for visa-free regime

• Effective implementation of the Readmission Agreement is a critical requirement for progressing toward visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the Schengen area.
• It represents a significant step towards fulfilling the visa liberalization Roadmap.

Challenges and requirements

• While Commissioner Malmstrom views the agreement as an important advancement, it is just one part of the broader roadmap.
• Other requirements include establishing a migration and asylum system aligned with international standards and enhancing police and judicial cooperation with EU member states and the international community.