Assita Kanko wants broad EU support for the French fight against radical Islam

MEP Assita Kanko is calling on the European Council to take a stand against radical Islam in the EU’s foreign policy as well. Assita Kanko’s appeal follows the Turkish president’s statements of last weekend, and the rousing of public sentiment in a number of Muslim countries to boycott French products from now on.

“I think it is of the utmost importance, after the events of this weekend, to ask a parliamentary question about Turkey’s reaction and about Erdogan’s statements, which are unbefitting of a head of state,” Assita Kanko says. “I also think the EU must do more in its foreign policy to protect our European values against radical Islam.”

Unbefitting Turkish response to the French president

In a speech last week, French President Macron called for the secular nature of France to be recognised and respected. “Secularism is the cement of France, and it leaves everyone free to choose to believe or not to believe,” Macron said. “Radical Islam, on the other hand, aims to bring about a parallel society.” Last weekend, Macron’s appeal prompted Turkish president Erdogan into saying that the French president should have his mental health examined. A call to boycott French products swiftly followed in a number of Muslim countries, including Kuwait, Egypt and Turkey itself.

Reconsideration of EU-Turkey relations

“In the meantime, the last few months have also shown that the current negotiating framework with Turkey, that of EU membership, no longer reflects reality,” Assita Kanko says. “That is why I also want to know if a fundamental strategic reconsideration of relations between the EU and Turkey is needed. And is the EU prepared to take alternative measures if Turkey doesn’t respond to the EU’s positive agenda? For example, an end to the pre-accession aid to Turkey?”

European support for Macron’s approach and vision

“The fight against radical Islam is just as much a fight for our European values and against obscurantism,” Assita Kanko emphasises. “It can no longer remain a matter of words. I am therefore asking Josep Borell - the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - to make it specifically clear in his policy that the EU will support Macron’s vision and approach. At the same time, I also expect President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to act on her ambition to turn this Commission into a geopolitical commission. Europe must stand united in defending important European values, and make it clear to Turkey that no EU Member State will ever concede an inch on these values.”