Turkey must strengthen border controls, say MPs
Turkey must tighten its border controls if it is to become a member of the European Union, MPS have warned, saying failure to do so would lead to a mass influx of illegal migrants.
A report by the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee called for Turkey to be made to demonstrate that it has met stringent border control rules set by Brussels before accession.
The committee fears the country could be used as a gateway to the union and raised concerns about people trafficking and drug smuggling.
Turkey’s membership would extend the EU‘s external border up to Iran, Iraq and Syria.
The report says the land border between Greece and Turkey constitutes the main loophole for irregular immigration into the EU.
Thousands of migrants are entering the EU through Turkey every month, many aiming to reach the UK, it adds.
The committee says that it would like to know how many Turks would seek to move to the UK if the country becomes an EU member.
To see the report in full, click here
However, memberst believed the risks posed in relation to organised crime were “considerably outweighed” by the potential benefits of Turkey joining, mainly because of the opportunities it would bring for increased cooperation.
Committee chairman Keith Vaz said: “It was clear from our visits to Turkey and Greece that, despite the willingness of the authorities to tackle the problem of illegal migration into the EU through this region, much more needs to be done.
“In particular, we require a collective commitment from Greece, Turkey and the European and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and work together to bring down the criminal gangs who are responsible for bringing thousands of migrants into the EU each month.
“I am concerned that, if action is not taken now, it will become even easier for migrants from countries such as Afghanistan and Iran to enter the EU once Turkey is a member.
“The UK Government and its EU partners must therefore do everything they can to assist Turkey in tightening its border controls.”
Turkey’s application to accede to the European Union was made on 14 April 1987, and although the earliest date it could enter the EU is 2013, Brussels has refused to back that deadline, and in 2006, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that the accession process would take at least until 2021.