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At the next European summit, Austria wants to speak openly about sanctions against Ankara, including the possibility to break off accession talks with Turkey, the country’s Federal Minister for EU and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler told EURACTIV Germany.

According to the minister, a wide range of topics will be discussed at the EU summit, including EU budget, the internal market, Brexit, the situation in the Mediterranean and Austria’s priorities.

"We must also clarify how we as the EU will continue to deal with China and Turkey. Austria advocates discussing all options and breaking off the accession talks with Turkey," she said.

"Of course, it is not acceptable for a neighbouring state to break international law and raise warships. It is the unanimous opinion of all member states to rely on de-escalation in this case. But it will be necessary to discuss all possibilities, including sanctions.

"Also, we have been in favour of breaking off the accession talks since 2016, because Turkey was already distancing itself from European values back then," the minister said.

European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday postponed this week's special EU summit, after he learnt one of his security guards had tested positive for Covid-19. Michel, respecting Belgian coronavirus rules, went into quarantine on Tuesday.