The European Commission has released its latest report on Turkey’s progress toward EU membership. The report highlights a continued stagnation in membership negotiations since 2018 and expresses ongoing concerns regarding democratic standards, the rule of law, judicial independence, and fundamental rights in Turkey.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, released its latest report detailing Turkey’s stagnation in its EU membership process, a standstill that has persisted since 2018. The report underscores concerns about Turkey’s democratic standards, rule of law, judicial independence, and fundamental rights. Presented in Brussels by EU representatives Josep Borrell and Oliver Varhelyi, the report addresses several key areas where Turkey’s practices diverge from EU standards, signaling ongoing challenges in the accession process.
One significant point raised is the impact of Turkey’s 2018 shift to a presidential government system, which has notably weakened the role of the parliament in legislative and oversight capacities, eroding checks and balances necessary for democratic governance. The report also highlights the increasing politicization of public administration, with government pressure on opposition-led municipalities, undermining local democracy and contributing to broader issues of political pluralism.
The report raises concerns over political repression, including the detention of roughly 8,000 members of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP). It also criticizes Turkey’s judiciary for failing to comply with Constitutional Court rulings, citing the ongoing detention of Can Atalay, a member of parliament, despite legal provisions for his release.
Civil society in Turkey, according to the report, operates under a challenging environment yet continues to play a role in social issues. However, progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights remains limited, with recent judicial reforms falling short of addressing structural issues. Additionally, the report calls on Turkey to respect European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings, particularly advocating for the release of Osman Kavala, a businessman detained in the Gezi case.
Human rights in Turkey have seen no meaningful advancement, with legislation failing to align effectively with the European Convention on Human Rights. The report emphasizes that journalists, writers, lawyers, and human rights advocates continue to face trials on allegations of “supporting terrorism.” Moreover, freedom of expression remains under strain, with 54 journalists reportedly still imprisoned. The EU specifically calls for action against discriminatory attitudes and practices affecting LGBT individuals and minorities.
The report draws attention to conditions in Turkey’s southeastern region, impacted by the February 2023 earthquake and ongoing PKK attacks, noting an increasingly tense security situation in the border regions. Turkish military operations in northern Iraq and Syria have also been highlighted as points of concern.
In addressing the Kurdish issue, the report acknowledges Turkey’s right to combat terrorism but stresses that fundamental human rights must be respected. The report concludes that there has been little progress toward meaningful solutions on this front.
Turkey’s alignment with EU foreign and defense policies remains minimal, despite its regional influence. Criticism is directed at Turkey’s refusal to join EU sanctions against Russia and its stance on Hamas, with alignment percentages dropping from 9% in 2023 to a low of 5% in 2024.
While Turkey has declared its commitment to EU membership, it continues to pursue a self-described “360-degree strategic view” in foreign policy, evident in its membership application to BRICS and high-level participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The EU also critiques Turkey’s ongoing two-state solution stance in Cyprus, which contradicts UN parameters, and signals the EU’s willingness to support efforts toward resolution while urging constructive Turkish-Greek dialogue.
Source: BBC Turkish