EU officials in Turkey to discuss faltering membership bid

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn are meeting Turkish officials for talks focusing on Turkey’s long-stalled membership bid.

Hahn said on Twitter that the two would address priority issues, including rule of law and human rights, during Thursday’s meetings in Ankara, Turkey’s capital.

Their visit comes days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled Turkey would not abide by a European Court of Human Rights ruling calling for the release of a jailed, former pro-Kurdish opposition leader.

His words deepened concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the country, despite the country’s pledge this summer to undertake reforms.

Earlier this month, Hahn said it would be “more honest” for the EU to give up on membership talks with Turkey. [AP]