Criticism of the European Union from Ekrem İmamoğlu: 'Double standards...'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu drew attention to the crises facing the international system during his speech at the TÜSİAD Bosphorus Meetings. İmamoğlu also criticized the European Union.

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Criticism of the European Union from Ekrem İmamoğlu: 'Double standards...'

IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu evaluated the numerous vital crises the world is facing at the "TÜSİAD Bosphorus Meetings" held at the Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Center in Beyoğlu.

İmamoğlu stated, “We are living in a period of frequency rarely seen in history. Today, the international system is facing regional crises, internal turmoil, and increasing waves of irregular migration.”

Stating that the struggle for influence among regional actors has given crises a global dimension, İmamoğlu said, “As we have witnessed this week in the Israel-Lebanon-Iran triangle, it is essential for all of us to see the reality that regional conflicts are spiraling out of control and drifting into a global crisis.”

Expressing that the need for multilateralism and diplomacy has become more important than ever, İmamoğlu emphasized that international organizations have remained insufficient in producing solutions to these crises.

CRITICISM OF THE EU

Stating that the European Union is struggling to respond to crises, İmamoğlu said, “It is a fact that the bending of EU values and norms according to the context has damaged the Union's global credibility.” Expressing that Turkey-EU relations have been reduced to the issue of irregular migration and refugees, İmamoğlu added, “Let alone membership negotiations and visa liberalization, even taking steps regarding the modernization of the Customs Union is not possible due to political reasons.”

EMPHASIS ON RELIABLE PARTNERSHIP

“I and the Republican People's Party, of which I am a member, see our country's future among democratic, pluralistic, and human rights-respecting countries,” said İmamoğlu, emphasizing his belief that Turkey will once again become a reliable partner for the EU. Stating that relations with France are an inseparable part of Turkey-EU relations, İmamoğlu said, “We know that we have the opportunity to repair and strengthen this relationship.”

CRITICISM OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

Stating that humanitarian tragedies prevent the achievement of goals, İmamoğlu said, “As in the case of the Palestinian issue, double-standard approaches must be abandoned urgently.”

Stating that delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and Ukraine is a priority issue for the IMM, İmamoğlu said, “In December, we will meet with the mayors of Middle Eastern and North African cities in Istanbul to discuss what we can do for regional peace and cooperation.”

News Source: 12punto