Only Juncker expresses the Commission’s positions on Turkey, says Chief Spokesman Schinas

President Juncker is the only one expressing the official position of the Commission, European Commission Chief Spokesman Margaritis Schinas stressed yesterday during the Commission midday briefing

The Chief Spokesman was invited to comment on statements made by Commissioner Hahns in "Die Welt" newspaper about the possible termination of Turkey`s accession negotiations in the future.

The Chief Spokesman clarified that only the President of the Commission expresses the position of the Commission and that "the College of Commissioners has stated that the process should continue."
 
He also noted that during the recent EU-Turkey summit in Varna, both President Tusk and President Juncker clarified to Erdogan that the necessity of maintaining good neighborly relations, the need for major reforms and the release of detainees "remain crucial for keeping open vital channels" between the two sides.