The German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier spoke abruptly in favor of negotiations with Turkey over EU membership. Speaking in Brussels at a press briefing after the meeting of the EU foreign ministers, Steinmeier criticized his Austrian counterpart. The Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told, that Vienna would objected to the continuation of negotiations with Ankara, reports the DW.

"I would not like to give a signal about the termination of negotiations now," said Steinmeier. He noted, that it is the opposition that asks  to continue negotiations with Turkey. In addition, terminating the negotiations can affect negotiations on the unification of Cyprus, which are in the final stage. The prospects of Turkey's membership to EU relate to future arrangements of situation around the restoration of death penalty in Turkey. If Ankara takes such a step, it would mean crossing the red line. Because it does not happen, the negotiations are considered as deterrent policy for Turkey.

Negotiations with Turkey about accession to the EU began in 2005: 18 years after the submission of the relevant application by Ankara. Out of 35 negotiating requirements that Turkey should meet, Brussels accepted only 16. Apart from occupation of a part of Cyprus, negotiations are hampered by the Turkish authorities' actions against the opposition.