The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs has concluded in a draft report that Turkey’s EU accession process cannot advance due to ongoing democratic shortcomings and human rights violations, despite Ankara’s recent diplomatic overtures.
The report, prepared by the EP’s Turkey rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor, assesses Turkey’s progress toward EU membership. It concludes that the accession process remains frozen due to concerns over democratic backsliding, human rights violations, and judicial independence.
Covering both the European Commission’s 2023 and 2024 evaluations, the report acknowledges Turkey’s recent diplomatic gestures, including government statements reaffirming its commitment to EU accession. However, the committee asserts that these declarations lack substantive reforms needed to meet the EU’s Copenhagen criteria, which require adherence to democratic principles, rule of law, and human rights.
Erdoğan: “Turkey Can Rescue the EU”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan weighed in on EU relations on Monday, claiming that Turkey holds the key to rescuing the EU from economic and political difficulties. Speaking to Turkish media after a ministerial meeting, Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s strategic importance, arguing that full EU membership would provide vital economic and demographic support to an aging Europe.
Highlighting challenges such as rising far-right movements, economic stagnation, and waning global influence, he asserted that Turkey’s dynamic economy and young population could revitalize the bloc. He also pointed to Turkey’s role in security, migration, and international diplomacy, stating that closer cooperation with Ankara would enhance EU stability.
Erdoğan urged European leaders to recognize Turkey’s potential and avoid policies that alienate Ankara. Expressing optimism about improving relations, he called for a reset in EU-Turkey ties based on mutual respect and shared interests. He suggested that deeper engagement could pave the way for a stronger partnership.
Democracy and Rule of Law Concerns Dominate the Report
The European Parliament’s report highlights Turkey’s democratic deficiencies, noting that the country remains classified as “not free” by Freedom House due to severe restrictions on fundamental rights, judicial interference, and a crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and civil society activists.
While the report acknowledges Turkey’s reaffirmed commitment to EU membership and a more constructive diplomatic stance, it stresses that accession depends on meeting the Copenhagen criteria. The report expresses disappointment that, despite positive rhetoric, Ankara has failed to implement concrete reforms aligning with EU values.
A key concern is the dismissal of democratically elected mayors and their replacement with government-appointed trustees, which the committee describes as a “blatant attack on local democracy” and part of a broader effort to suppress political opposition. The report also criticizes the judiciary’s lack of independence, citing systemic political interference. Despite nine judicial reform packages, the committee finds that these efforts have not resulted in meaningful improvements.
Ongoing Human Rights Violations
The committee echoes previous European Parliament resolutions condemning Turkey’s human rights record. It highlights the government’s failure to comply with key European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings, particularly in high-profile cases like those of Osman Kavala and Bülent Mumay.
The report also raises alarm over the treatment of political opponents, human rights defenders, trade unionists, academics, and journalists. International watchdogs—including Reporters Without Borders, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch—have documented extensive restrictions on freedom of expression and media suppression.
“The committee remains deeply concerned by the relentless crackdown on critical voices,” the report states, urging Turkish authorities to lift severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms and cease attacks on opposition members, activists, and civil society groups.
Turkey’s Divergence from EU Foreign Policy
The report also addresses Turkey’s foreign policy, noting a growing divergence from EU positions, particularly regarding sanctions on Russia. Turkey’s alignment with EU foreign and security policies has dropped to just 5%—the lowest among candidate countries.
The committee points out that Turkey’s trade with Russia has surged since the Ukraine war, making Turkey Russia’s second-largest trading partner. It urges Ankara to cooperate more closely with EU sanctions enforcement and align its geopolitical stance with the bloc’s broader policies.
While acknowledging a recent thaw in Turkey-Greece relations, the report stresses that unresolved disputes continue to strain bilateral ties. It calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of EU member states and supports a UN-led solution to the Cyprus issue based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation.
Trade and Migration Cooperation
Despite its criticisms, the report recognizes Turkey’s strategic importance as a trade and migration partner. The EU remains Turkey’s largest trading partner, while Turkey ranks as the EU’s fifth-largest. The committee welcomes Ankara’s return to more conventional economic policies but warns of rising interest rates and inflation burdening Turkish citizens.
The report also commends Turkey for hosting the world’s largest refugee population—around 3.4 million, mostly from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The EU has contributed nearly €10 billion to support Turkey’s refugee efforts. However, the committee insists that EU-Turkey relations must go beyond migration cooperation and be built on democratic values.
Stalled Accession Process and Alternative Cooperation Paths
Given Turkey’s persistent democratic shortcomings, the report concludes that its EU accession process cannot resume under current conditions. It urges EU institutions and member states to explore alternative cooperation frameworks beyond the stalled accession talks.
A modernized customs union is suggested as a potential engagement pathway, though the committee stresses that any upgrade must be tied to improvements in human rights and democratic governance. It also calls for discussions on a strategic partnership encompassing trade, security, and migration, while recognizing the political realities preventing full EU membership.
Despite the challenges, the report underscores the importance of maintaining dialogue with Turkish society, noting that a significant portion of Turkey’s population remains pro-EU and supportive of democratic reforms.
“The aspirations of Turkish citizens should not be ignored,” the report states, emphasizing the need for continued engagement even as the accession process remains frozen.
The draft report will now be debated in the European Parliament, with potential amendments before its final adoption. Once approved, it will be forwarded to the European Council, the European Commission, and the Turkish government.
