EconMin criticizes Germany’s statements on customs union

Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekçi criticized German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s comments on stopping the expansion of a customs union between Turkey and the EU.

“Both Germany and Turkey lose when such statements are made. It is necessary to evaluate who will emerge triumphant from such statements, as both sides [Germany and Turkey] are impacted negatively by such developments. We must make strong assessments, as we are in an environment where FETÖ, terrorist organizations and other parties will rejoice when both countries regress,” said Zeybekçi.

EU Minister Ömer Çelik slammed German comments on Thursday, and said that one country could not dictate the policy of the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany “will not make extra efforts to mantain the customs union agreement with Turkey at the moment.”