ANKARA (Sputnik) — On Friday, Erdogan accused Brussels of hypocrisy for delaying the implementation of a visa-free regime for Turkish citizens, stating that the bloc has chosen to concentrate of simplifying it visa regimes for some Latin American countries instead. On the same day, EU interior and migration ministers agreed on an emergency brake mechanism that will make it easier to freeze visa-free travel deals with third countries.
"Turkey can suspend the execution of its agreements with the European Union, including the customs union, if the European Union continues its policy of double standards in its talks with Ankara," Yigit Bulut told the TRT Haber public broadcaster.
In early May, the European Commission recommended a conditional visa-free regime between Turkey and the European Union, demanding that Turkey improve its legislation in relation to freedom of speech, fair judicial practice and minority rights protection. The European Parliament is due to vote on the matter in June.