Germany seeks to maintain an open channel of communication with Turkey, as the growing Turkish opposition advocates good relations with the European Union, said MEP Udo Bullmann.

According to him, there is no deal with Turkey as an autocratic monolith, so remain flexible to transform and return Turkey to a family of peaceful nations, EURACTIV reported.

Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party suffered a major defeat in local elections in 2019, losing Istanbul and Ankara, where the opposition won.

The EU must send a clear signal to Erdogan that his aggressive behavior can no longer be tolerated, Bullmann said.

EU leaders are expected to discuss possible sanctions against Turkey in connection with its activities in the waters of Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A source told EURACTIV last week that Erdogan will abandon his aggressive stance towards Europe at the first sign of EU unity.