World's Largest Refugee Host Says EU Deal Near Collapse
- Turkish minister Celik says EU agreement is too one-sided
- Says ‘racist’ backlash threatens Europe’s democratic values
The Moria migrant camp on the island of Lesbos.
Photographer: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Turkey’s agreement with the European Union to help stem the largest flow of refugees since World War II is inching closer to collapse, according to Turkey’s minister in charge of EU integration.
By hosting about 3 million refugees -- the most of any nation -- and halting their migration to Europe, Turkey has saved the EU from a “racist” backlash that threatens the bloc’s democratic character, Omer Celik said in an interview on Tuesday in Ankara. Describing the deal as one-sided, he said Turkey is under no obligation to continue implementing it, adding that his country’s commitment to seeking EU membership wasn’t unconditional.