(VOVworld) – Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of opening the gates to Europe for millions of Syrian refugees as he backlashed Brussels growing criticism of his crackdown on opponents.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of opening the gates to Europe for millions of Syrian refugees (ndtv.com)

Mr. Erdogan made the threat shortly after the European Commission castigated his administration for purging more than 100,000 soldiers, judges, civil servants, and teachers from their posts since a failed coup in July. He said the EU should resume talks with Turkey, otherwise, Ankara will allow refugees to enter Europe.

Turkey will accept migrants and refugees transiting Turkey for Greece as long as the EU allows Turkish citizens to travel across the continent without visas.