Juncker does not want EU to 'give lessons' to Turkey

PARIS

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU should not try to instruct Turkey.

In an interview to be broadcast Saturday by Euronews, Juncker said: "I would like Europe to refrain from giving lessons to Turkey."

He said Ankara is an "important" partner not only due to the refugee crisis and it was "obvious" Turkey has hosted more than 3 million refugees that Europe did not do.

"Turkey does much more than Europe," he said, adding: "So, we need to be humble when we speak on these issues."

Regarding Turkey's full membership process to the EU, Juncker said, "The question now is: Does Turkey want to meet all the conditions that needs to be met to become an EU member. I think Turkey has not asked itself that question".

He added since the question was not asked, there was no answer.

Juncker said he had regular meetings with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"I have known him for the last 17-18 years. I know him but also he knows me," he added.