EU foreign ministers have agreed to a 'wait-and-see' approach towards Turkey, although some member states are more skeptical about Ankara's recent proposals, Kathimerini reported.

According to diplomatic sources, Monday’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels was briefed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and German FM Heiko Maas on the content of their recent talks with Turkey’s Mevlut Cavusoglu, with both noting Ankara’s apparent desire to turn over a new leaf with Brussels.

According to the same sources, the EU's overall position on the recent statements and actions of Ankara appears to be positive, although the FMs noted that Turkey needs to continue its initiatives to de-escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.

Greece, in its turn, insisted on the need to make significant progress on issues of particular concern to Athens, such as Turkey's violations of the law of the sea and its allusion to casus belli. The recent change in Ankara's position is linked to the threat of EU sanctions, the deterioration of the Turkish economy, and the election of Joe Biden as the US President.

Borrell said that the EU should explore a "new era" in bilateral relations with Ankara in “close cooperation” with the new American administration.

Borrell later confirmed to the press that the EU will continue its "positive agenda" with Turkey, but will also continue to work on the technical aspects of new sanctions against the illegal exploration of hydrocarbons in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. “The list is not ready, but it has not been put aside,” he said.

“I am happy to say that today the irritants that poisoned life during the last summer and autumn have stopped… and we have agreed [with Cavusoglu] that both parts will keep this momentum and use it positively in order to try reach agreements,” Borrell added. He also expressed hope that talks on Cyprus’ reunification can restart by the end of February.

He also expressed hope that talks on the reunification of Cyprus can resume by the end of February.

Maas, in turn, reiterated Berlin's skepticism on sanctions against Turkey, saying that Ankara has taken a positive step by renewing research contacts with Athens, which should not be impeded by the threat of sanctions.