Erdogan hits back at EU, threatening to open borders to migrants

Turkish president Recep Tayyipan Erdogan has warned European lawmakers that his government could open its borders to migrants after the European Parliament voted yesterday to freeze the country's accession to the bloc.

A non-binding motion was passed on Thursday to urge European and national leaders into action against the Turkish government, which has engaged in a severe crackdown on dissent following the failed coup in the country earlier this year.

Over 100,000 public servants have been sacked and at least 35,000 arrested after the putsch attempt in July, with Erdogan and his government being heavily criticised for heavy-handed tactics since.

Erdogan responded angrily to Thursday's decision in Strasbourg.

"If you go any further, these border gates will be opened. Neither me nor my people will be affected by these empty threats," Erdogan told a congress on women's justice in Istanbul.

Over a million people arrived on European shores last year, as EU leaders bickered over how to respond to the crisis. Turkey agreed a migrant deal with the other European leaders, a move which was said to have aided the country´s entry into the bloc.

It's unlikely that the parliament vote will massively influence the decision of European leaders regarding Turkey, with the likes of Germany and France in favour of supporting the accession.