The Dutch parliament has linked the modernisation of the customs union with Turkey to human rights concerns, specifically calling for the implementation of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decisions mandating the immediate release of Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş.
The resolution, adopted following a proposal by Kati Piri, former EU-Turkey rapporteur, and Isa Kahraman, a member of the Dutch Parliament representing the Nieuw Sociaal Contract (New Social Contract) party, advocates for the release of the two detained figures as a non-negotiable condition for further discussions on the customs union at the EU level. “No modernisation of the customs union with Turkey until the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights are implemented,” Kati Piri declared on social media platform X.
The customs union aims to provide unhindered access for goods between the sides. It started in 1995, but so far has only concerned industrial goods and processed agricultural products.
Kahraman, before the vote, emphasised “Human rights are the essence of our civilisation”, urging the government to make these conditions a fundamental aspect of discussions on the customs union with Turkey.
The recent hearing by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the US Congress has highlighted the intensifying international scrutiny on Turkey for its failure to adhere to international norms, which are often overlooked in favour of trade and security relations.
In response to this parliamentary decision, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit the Netherlands to participate in the upcoming Wittenburg Conference. His agenda includes discussions on the customs union, full EU membership for Turkey, visa liberalisation for Turkish citizens and key regional issues involving Israel, Palestine, Ukraine and Cyprus, as potential bargaining chips.