2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye

The European Parliament adopted by 367 votes to 74, with 88 abstentions, a resolution on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Turkey.

Commitment to EU accession

Parliament recognised the long-standing aspirations of Turkish civil society for EU membership and the EU's commitment to promoting this engagement through enhanced dialogue and cooperation but encouraged it to review its expectations regarding this engagement in the near future, given the deterioration of democratic standards that has pushed the country towards an authoritarian model over the past decade.

Members stressed that EU membership is conditional on compliance with the accession criteria (Copenhagen criteria), which are absolute criteria and not matters subject to strategic considerations and transactional negotiations. They reiterated the conclusion that the Turkish government continues to demonstrate a clear lack of political will to carry out the reforms necessary to reactivate the accession process and continues to advocate a deeply rooted authoritarian conception of the presidential system.

Parliament reaffirmed that Turkey is a strategic partner and NATO ally, as well as a country with which the Union maintains close relations in the areas of security, trade, economy and migration. It stressed, however, that this can in no way replace the necessary real progress that Turkey must make as a candidate country.

Democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights

Regarding human rights and the rule of law, Parliament's recent resolutions on the issue remain valid given the dire human rights situation and democratic backsliding Turkey has continued to experience over the past year. Despite a reform strategy comprising nine packages of judicial reforms, the state of judicial independence in Turkey remains deplorable. Parliament called on Turkey to strengthen its commitment to democratic governance, including through reforms guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.

The Turkish authorities are urged to end the ongoing severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, as well as the ongoing violations of the fundamental rights of opposition members, human rights defenders, lawyers, trade unionists, members of minorities, journalists, academics, artists, and civil society activists, among others. Members strongly condemned the recent waves of mass arrests and imprisonments on politically motivated charges and alleged links to terrorism.

Members deplored the ongoing prosecutions, censorship and harassment of independent journalists and media outlets, and remain appalled by the Turkish authorities' continued disregard for the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

Regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations

Parliament welcomed Turkey's action, which has hosted around 3.1 million refugees, including 2.9 million Syrians under temporary protection in 2024, compared to 3.2 million in 2023, recalling the importance of cooperation with Turkey for the efficient and orderly management of migration flows. It also welcomed the fact that, since 2011, the EU has provided almost EUR 10 billion to help Turkey host refugees. The Commission is called upon to ensure the utmost transparency and fairness in the allocation of funds and to ensure that EU-funded projects.

Parliament deplored the fact that Turkey continues to violate the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU Member States, such as Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. It regretted that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and called on all parties to recommit seriously to peaceful negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, with a view to achieving progress on the settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Members noted that Turkey's stance on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Turkey relations, as Turkey seeks to maintain ties with both the West and Russia. They regretted that trade between Turkey and Russia has increased sharply since the start of the war in Ukraine and that Turkey is the only NATO member state not to have imposed sanctions on Russia.

The resolution stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and Turkey in the area of global security, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical situation and potential changes in US foreign policy. It stressed that Turkey's new status as a BRICS partner country should not affect its responsibilities within NATO.

Parliament also regretted that, despite the progress observed in economic and monetary policies, other actions of the Turkish Government related to the rule of law continue to undermine fundamental principles such as legal certainty, which weighs on Turkey's potential capacity to receive investments.

Prospects for relations between the Union and Turkey

Parliament concluded that the Turkish Government has failed to take the necessary steps to address the existing fundamental democratic shortcomings in the country and therefore reaffirmed its view that Turkey's accession process to the European Union cannot resume under the current circumstances.

The Turkish Government, the EU institutions and the Member States are invited to continue working, beyond the currently frozen accession process, towards a closer, more dynamic and strategic partnership , with a particular focus on climate action, energy security, cooperation in the fight against terrorism and regional stability. Members stressed the need to start a process of reflection on a new constructive and progressive framework, stressing that such a process must be accompanied by tangible progress in Turkey as regards its alignment with the CFSP, democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental values.

Parliament stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest in policy areas such as the green transition, trade, energy, a modernised customs union and visa liberalisation, among others. It recalled, however, that democratic backsliding and non-alignment with the CFSP are not conducive to substantial progress in this area. It reaffirmed the Union's determination to maintain the best possible relations with Turkey based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust, in accordance with international law and good neighbourly relations.