Ergodan threatens to open EU border to refugees amid breakdown of membership talks

Published November 25th, 2016 - 12:00 GMT
Syrian refugees jostle each other near the Turkish border crossing on February 6, 2016. (AFP/File)
Syrian refugees jostle each other near the Turkish border crossing on February 6, 2016. (AFP/File)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Europe on Friday that Turkey can open its borders with the European Union if it pushes Ankara further, allowing refugees to cross.

The remarks come a day after the European Parliament voted to suspend talks with Ankara on Turkey joining the EU. The vote was non-binding.

The EU reached a deal with Turkey this year meant to stem the flow of migrants to the bloc and avoid a repeat of last year, when hundreds of thousands of refugees left Turkish territory and made their way to Europe.

Europe is increasingly upset with Turkey over rights concerns, a widespread crackdown on the opposition and stepped up rhetoric against Brussels.