Turkey first expressed interest in joining the union in the 1960s, although formal accession talks began in 2005. The European Parliament’s vote comes at an awkward time for both the European Union and Turkey. The possibility that the European Parliament would vote for suspension has been opposed by some of the bloc’s most senior officials. It seems unlikely that the recommendation will gain much traction ahead of the next European Union summit meeting in December. Mr. Erdogan has been open about forging a majority in the Turkish Parliament with the far-right Nationalist Movement Party to bring back capital punishment.

Source: New York Times November 23, 2016 12:41 UTC