Turkey’s accession to the EU should remain ‘frozen’, calls for a report draft from the EP

“Geopolitical and strategic needs cannot justify ‘discounts’ in the accession process that undermine democratic principles,” according to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“Under the current circumstances, despite the democratic and pro-European expectations of a large part of Turkish society, there can be no progress in Turkey’s EU accession process,” the MEPs of the Committee on Foreign Affairs state in a report approved on Wednesday with 48 votes in favor, 3 against, and 23 abstentions.

The Turkish government has not taken the necessary measures to address existing fundamental democratic deficiencies, the report states, highlighting the growing trend in the EU to move towards “a different framework for the relationship, which could be detrimental to the accession process.”

Non-negotiable EU accession criteria

Expressing “deep concern over the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Turkey” and “the relentless suppression of critical voices by the Turkish authorities,” the MEPs condemn the continued targeting of political parties and opposition members and are particularly concerned about the recent arrest and removal of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

As noted in a related statement, this is “a politically motivated move aimed at preventing a legitimate opponent from participating in the upcoming elections, as well as a move that further pushes the country towards a fully authoritarian model.” The MEPs call on the Turkish authorities to put an end to the current serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly the freedoms of expression and assembly.

“Accession to the EU depends on the fulfillment of the accession criteria, which require stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect and protection of minorities, good neighborly relations, compliance with international law, and alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy,” it is emphasized. “These are absolute criteria, not issues subject to strategic assessments of transactions or negotiations,” the report states.

Effort for a more dynamic and strategic partnership

The MEPs recognize “the strategic and geopolitical importance of Turkey,” as well as “its growing presence and influence in vital areas for international security, such as the Black Sea region, Ukraine, and the Middle East.” Turkey is a strategic partner and ally in NATO and is also a country with which the EU has close relations in the areas of security, trade, economy, and migration, it is noted, and “therefore, it is important to maintain a constructive dialogue and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest,” the MEPs say. They call on the Turkish government, the EU institutions, and the EU member states to continue working, beyond the currently frozen accession process, towards a closer, more dynamic, and strategic partnership, with particular emphasis on climate action, energy security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability.

“We constantly hear from the Turkish authorities statements regarding their supposed commitment to EU accession and how important it is for us to restart this process for security and geopolitical reasons, but they are mistaken,” said the rapporteur, Spanish MEP from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Nacho Sánchez Amor, and immediately added: “Accession is about democracy, and the more they push towards a fully authoritarian model, as we have recently observed with the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the further they move away from EU accession.”

The report will be submitted for a vote at an upcoming plenary session of the European Parliament. (9/4/2025)