EU divided over calls to block Turkey’s bid

European Union member countries are presenting a divided picture on whether to continue full membership talks with Turkey. Strongest opposition to Merkel’s call came from Paris, as President Emmanuel Macron stated that ties with Turkey should continue despite the fact that the Turkish government has failed to meet EU democratic and human rights norms of late. Merkel’s appeal received positive response from Austrian Foreign Minister Sebestian Kurz, who has long been an advocate of suspending talks with Turkey, and from the Netherlands Foreign Minister Bert Koenders. On the other hand, Finland and Lithuania similarly spoke out against breaking off negotiations.