Turkey’s accession process to the EU must remain suspended

EU accession criteria are non-negotiable

MEPs express deep concern at the continuing deterioration of democratic principles in Turkey and the systematic repression of dissenting voices. They strongly condemn the violent response to recent peaceful mass demonstrations, as well as the prosecution of hundreds of participants in accelerated judicial proceedings without guarantees or evidence to support a criminal charge.

They also believe that the attacks against the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, are politically motivated, with the aim of preventing the candidacy of a rival with a chance against President Erdoğan in the upcoming elections. In this way, the Turkish authorities are pushing the country further and further towards a completely authoritarian model of government.

The report recalls that EU membership requires full compliance with specific criteria, such as the existence of stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, protection of minorities, respect for international law, good relations with neighbouring countries and alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. “These are absolute criteria and not matters subject to strategic considerations and compromise negotiations,” stresses the plenary.

MEPs also condemn President Erdoğan’s recent illegal visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and his “provocative statements”, which they describe as unilateral action amounting to illegitimate direct intervention contrary to the interests of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

They stress that the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society, in particular the youth, are a fundamental reason for keeping the accession process alive, even if it is frozen.

Closer cooperation in areas of common strategic interest

MEPs recognise Turkey’s strategic and geopolitical relevance and its growing influence in key international security regions such as the Black Sea, Ukraine and the Middle East. They underline that Turkey is a strategic partner, a NATO ally and a country with which the EU has close ties in the fields of security, trade, economy and migration management. In this context, they consider it essential to maintain a constructive dialogue and strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest. However, they warn that democratic backsliding and lack of alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy make it difficult to move towards a deeper and more effective relationship.

More information: European Parliament