Turkey's relations with the
European Union appeared to take a turn for the worse on Tuesday, as Ankara voiced dissatisfaction with the result of last week's EU summit and the bloc said the country's bid for membership was evaporating.
Tensions between the EU and Ankara had eased in recent weeks as
Turkey and EU member Greece agreed to hold exploratory talks to solve several longstanding disputes, including a standoff over maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean.
Last Friday EU leaders assuaged concerns raised by Cyprus, which had been pushing for
sanctions on Ankara, by assuring it that the bloc would punish Turkey if it continues
Oil and gas drilling in disputed areas of the eastern Mediterranean.