Turkey 'losing hope' for EU visa-free deal

One of the benchmarks for Turkey to reach in order for visa-free travel to go through is legislation on terrorism, but Bozkir said changing anti-terror laws in Turkey would be impossible.

The EU insists that Turkey needs to narrow its definition of terrorism - as well as meet four other key criteria - to qualify for visa-free travel, namely corruption, data protection, Europol and judicial co-operation.

The visa-free travel deal is due to take place by the end of June and is part of a larger agreement between the two sides aimed at easing Europe's migration crisis.

After a day of meetings with senior members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Bozkir admitted that the negotiations had reached a crucial phase, stressing that Turkey had already done enough. Under the EU-Turkey agreement, migrants who have arrived illegally in Greece since 20 March are to be sent back to Turkey if they do not apply for asylum or if their claim is rejected. For each Syrian migrant returned to Turkey, the EU is to take in another Syrian who has made a legitimate request.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the EU that Ankara would not change its anti-terror laws.

"We'll go our way, you go yours," he said.

The EU and rights groups have accused Ankara of using its broad anti-terror legislation to intimidate journalists and stifle opposition. Yet, Ankara rejects this, saying it needs the laws to fight militant groups.

Earlier this month, the European Commission said it was satisfied that the majority of the 72 conditions had been fulfilled by Turkey, but the European Parliament is refusing to vote until all the criteria are met.

Turkey has threatened to stop taking back migrants from Greece if the EU fails to deliver on visa liberalisation.