Manfred Weber, Chairman of EPP-Group in the European Parliament and Deputy President of Bavarian CSU Party stated today that Turkey deviates from rule of law and democracy and clarifies that Turkey`s EU membership is now off the table.

More specifically the leader of the largest political family in the EP said: “with his referendum Turkish President Erdogan is leaving the nation profoundly split. What is clear is that the Turkish leadership has opted for a course away from the rule of law and from democracy. Apparently, this is supported by a small majority of Turkish citizens. We must respect that.

The referendum is an historic event. We need a new start in relations, a new approach to a partnership between friendly neighbours. However, this also means that Turkey`s EU membership is off the table”.