EU leaders consider the bloc’s future relationship with Turkey

EU leaders were set to meet on Thursday to discuss the bloc’s future relationship with Turkey after tensions increased last year.

There have been indications that Turkey is willing to adopt a more conciliatory approach over disputed maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was expected to present a report to the European Council on the matter.

The report would put forward various measures the EU could impose, depending on how the situation with Turkey evolves.

These are likely to include positive steps such as the possibility of easing visa rules between Turkey and the bloc and negative measures such as renewing sanctions if relations deteriorate again.

“In the past month we have seen positive developments on the part of Turkey, but the situation remains fragile,” Mr Borrell said as he arrived in Brussels.

He said the council would assess what steps could be taken to consolidate the progress made.

The EU has been encouraged by the resumption of negotiations between Greece and Turkey over contested maritime borders and plans to restart peace talks with Cyprus.

But the bloc also expressed concern at recent domestic incidents in Turkey, including attempts to ban a major opposition political party and the country’s withdrawal from a treaty to prevent violence against women.

EU leaders said such actions took Turkey away from the path to membership.

“The discussions will not be easy but I hope that we will achieve a result,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said before the meeting.

“We expect Turkey to respect the standards of the rule of law.”

Cyprus, France and Greece are the most likely to support a tougher position on relations with Turkey.

Ankara wants to update a deal struck five years ago to stop large numbers of migrants from entering the EU.

Turkey agreed to keep the migrants, many of them fleeing the conflict in Syria, from crossing into the EU in return for billions of euros in aid.