GETTY European MEPs today called for a halt to EU membership talks with Turkey

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Members of the European Parliament voted 479 to 37 in favour of a non-binding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to institute what lawmakers acknowledge would be a largely symbolic freeze in negotiations that have been going on for 11 years but have long been stalled. Neither side expects Turkey to be in a position to join the EU for very many years to come.

The European Parliament ... strongly condemns the disproportionate repressive measures taken in Turkey since the failed military coup attempt in July Motion

“The European Parliament ... strongly condemns the disproportionate repressive measures taken in Turkey since the failed military coup attempt in July,” the motion read, although added that it remained committed to keeping Turkey “anchored” to the EU. Austria has led calls to stop Turkey's membership talks. Germany, France and most other EU states for now back continued engagement and fear putting at risk Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's collaboration on migration.

EU leaders are due to discuss Turkey again when they meet in Brussels at a regular summit on December 15-16. MEPs debated EU-Turkey relations on Tuesday, with the main parties backing a freeze. However, the EU executive's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, urged caution during the debate, saying an end to the accession process would result in a lose-lose situation.

GETTY The majority of MEPs voted to freeze negotiations

A look back on the shocking Turkish military coup that left 294 dead Wed, July 27, 2016 The violent military coup to overthrow Turkey's President Erdogan has 'failed' leaving at least 104 dead and more than 1,500 wounded Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 42 A police officer talks with the soldiers involved in the coup attempt after they surrendered

President Erdogan accuses the EU of failing to understand the gravity of threats to Turkey. He said the bloc would have to “live with the consequences” if it stopped the talks and that Ankara could instead join an security alliance run by Russia and China.

GETTY President Erdogan accuses the EU of failing to understand the gravity of threats to Turkey

GETTY Federica Mogherini urged caution during the debate