News – EUTCC

PR: Peace in Turkey is also Europe’s responsibility

26 October 2025Admin

The Kurdistan Freedom Movement held a press conference today in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and announced the withdrawal of its armed forces from Turkey. Following Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call on 27 February 2025, the PKK immediately declared a ceasefire and announced its dissolution at its 12th party congress.

As early as 1999, the PKK had withdrawn its forces from within Turkey’s borders, following Öcalan’s call. However, the Kurdish side’s efforts to achieve peace remained unanswered.

Turkey must immediately establish the legal and political framework conditions necessary for the transformation into a sustainable peace process and democratic participation.

The democratisation of Turkey is crucial for stability and peace throughout the region. Just a few days ago, with the votes of the AKP, MHP and Iyi Parti, the parliament extended the mandate for military missions in Syria and Iraq.

The European Union and its institutions also have a role to play here. All political levers must be used to ensure that Turkey implements these measures immediately. The right to hope is one of the central issues here. After all, Abdullah Öcalan is a key figure, and his freedom is crucial to the process. The Venice Commission must provide support in monitoring the legal proceedings.

Another lever that the European Union should use is the EU terror list. Removing the PKK from this list would not only send a positive signal for the dialogue process, but would also have positive implications for Kurds and communities from Turkey living in Europe.

As EUTCC, we welcome this historic step by the Kurdish freedom movement. We call on Turkey to fulfil its legal and political obligations and urge the European Union and European institutions to actively support the process.

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EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission
Instagram: @eutcc1

PR: Attacks against CHP disrupt the peace process

6 July 2025Admin

The wave of arrests against CHP mayors continues unabated. Following the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu more than 100 days ago, the mayors of Adıyaman, Antalya and Adana have now been arrested.

For decades, the waves of arrests in Turkey have focused on Kurdish politicians, particularly in the context of the HDP or DEM party. Mayors detained and dismissed on terror charges have been replaced by Ankara-appointed trustees. Now the CHP is also affected.

The crackdown on the CHP is unacceptable and disturbs the latest developments regarding a political solution to the Kurdish question. Turkey should seize the opportunity opened by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society. The PKK immediately declared a ceasefire and subsequently decided to disband at its congress. A first laying down of arms is planned for next week.

A political solution to the Kurdish question and democracy in Turkey are directly correlated. While the crackdown on the CHP continues, the state cannot make its position credible in the new process.

Immediate and clear international responses are needed against this anti-democratic policy. The European Union and the European Parliament should use their influence to support the path for peace and democracy. Clear words, but above all the use of political pressure, are essential for a coherent foreign policy of the European Union.

We strongly condemn the repression against the CHP and call on the European Union to act immediately.

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EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission
Instagram: @eutcc1

PR: PKK Resolutions: Strengthening Democratic Transformation Together

13 May 2025Admin

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) recently published the final resolution of its 12th Congress, which was held from 5-7 May despite continuous Turkish air strikes. Following the call of its founder Abdullah Öcalan, it announced its dissolution and the end of the armed struggle. It had already declared a unilateral ceasefire on 1 March.

This is the starting point for a political and social transformation and thus for the beginning of a new era.

Further steps must be taken immediately so that this transformation can succeed. The creation of the appropriate political and legal foundations is essential, as is the freedom of Kurdish Political Leader Abdullah Öcalan. The latter is also relevant in the context of implementing the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

The PKK’s declaration was welcomed internationally and the importance of the political process was emphasised. In its report on Turkey, the European Parliament also recognised the developments in the context of Mr. Öcalan’s historic appeal. It is now important to exert influence on Turkey in order to strengthen the process.

The European Union can directly and positively reinforce developments by increasing the pressure to implement the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and constitutional reforms in Turkey and by removing the PKK from its terror list.

Peace and a democratic society will have positive regional and global implications that are more necessary than ever. Rapid, strong and clear action is therefore required from all sides, especially European institutions.

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EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission
Instagram: @eutcc1

PR: Mr Öcalan’s statement: a momentum for peace and democracy

27 February 2025Admin

Today, a seven-member delegation visited Kurdish Political Leader Abdullah Öcalan on the prison island of İmralı. Abdullah Öcalan’s long-awaited message was read out at a press conference in Istanbul.

This declaration is historic and should be supported accordingly. The future not only of Turkey but of the entire region is at stake. Democratisation of the country and peace in the Middle East are urgently needed. Mr Öcalan has set the course for this. His call to create the appropriate legal and political foundations for the laying down of arms and the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party is a moment of resolution of the Gordian knot that has tied the Turkish Republic in its first 100 years.

This momentum must be adequately recognised. The European Union and its institutions, in particular the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, should now make every effort to strengthen the process. This includes engagement to ensure that Abdullah Öcalan can freely practice his leadership role in the ongoing political process.

We welcome Mr Öcalan’s historic statement and ensure our full support.

Newyear 2025

27 December 2024Admin

Happy New Year.

A new year begins. Existing challenges will remain, new ones will emerge. But a new year also means new opportunities.

We must seize this opportunity together for a more peaceful & just world. As EUTCC, we are more committed than ever to peace, democracy & freedom.