The EU and Turkey are important strategic partners, and it is in the interest of both to have close and effective cooperation. With this in mind, parliament has adopted its annual report on Turkey with a large majority.
But there is also clear concern in parliament regarding certain developments in Turkey. These are issues at the core of the accession process, such as the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Recent election results in Turkey are a clear indication that Turkish voters want change. With a record-high turnout of 86 per cent, the people have elected the most inclusive and representative parliament in Turkey's modern history.
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The outcome wipes out the further centralisation of power, puts the peaceful conclusion of the settlement process with the Kurdish community back at the top of the political agenda, and forces political parties to cooperate and compromise.
These are all positive elements which could enable a new government to reinvigorate the democratisation process.
Now is not the time to turn away from Ankara, even though that has lately become the 'natural' inclination for many politicians in Europe.
If we want a new government to invest in human rights and the rule of law, we must also show our willingness to stimulate the half-stalled membership negotiations.
Therefore, I am pleased that parliament has repeated its call to start negotiations on fundamental rights and the judiciary, as soon as the set criteria have been fulfilled. The EU would create a permanent forum for making progress in these essential areas.
The debate about EU-Turkey relations is complicated and will not now suddenly change. However, it is very much in our interest that the EU remains the benchmark for the reform process in Turkey.