The EU and Turkey called on each other to take concrete steps to improve relations, Reuters reported.

Turkey, which remains an official candidate for EU membership despite tensions, faces the threat of EU economic sanctions over a hydrocarbon dispute with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, but the tone between Brussels and Ankara has improved since the new year.

“We have seen an improvement in the overall atmosphere ... we strongly wish to see a sustainable de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu before their meeting.

“We remain concerned about the (human rights) situation in Turkey,” Borrell said.

An improved tone followed a videoconference between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 9, during which both highlighted the importance of bilateral relations.

Cavusoglu expressed the hope that von der Layen and Charles Michel, head of the European Council, which represents the 27 EU member states, will visit Turkey at Erdogan's invitation.

2020 proved to be a particularly challenging year for relations between Turkey and the EU, especially for France, as Erdogan publicly expressed hope that protests in French cities would topple President Emmanuel Macron.

Greece and Cyprus, strongly backed by France, want to punish Turkey for provocative oil and gas exploration in disputed waters, but Germany and Italy are reluctant to impose any sanctions on Ankara.

Turkey has withdrawn the courts and is about to resume talks with Greece, although the EU has accused Ankara of playing cat and mouse as part of provocation and reconciliation.

EU leaders will decide in March whether to impose sanctions or not.

Brussels also accuses Erdogan of undermining the economy, democracy, and the destruction of independent courts and media.

The European Parliament is expected to endorse a resolution on Thursday calling for the release of Selahattin Demirtas, a leading Kurdish politician jailed in 20216 on terrorism charges.

But Turkey remains a major destination for EU trade and investment and also hosts some 4 million Syrian refugees. The EU seeks to agree on new funds for refugees from 2022 to prevent their arrival in EU countries.

Ankara wants to progress in realizing the right of Turks to a visa-free entry to the EU, renewing the trade deal with Europe, and recognizing its claims for hydrocarbons.