2025 Commission report on Türkiye
The European Parliament adopted by 381 votes to 107, with 171 abstentions, a resolution on the 2025 Commission report on Türkiye.
The accession process cannot be restarted without tangible progress.
Parliament welcomed the long-standing aspirations of the majority of the Turkish people regarding EU membership and the maintenance of Türkiye candidate status, despite the persistent lack of progress and political will. It stressed, however, that any development in the accession process requires tangible progress in respecting the rule of law and democratic processes, and believes that without such progress, Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot be revived.
Members noted with regret that, despite repeated statements by the Turkish government reiterating its commitment to the goal of EU accession, serious and persistent concerns regarding shortcomings in the accession process have not been addressed, particularly the ongoing erosion of human rights and civil society space. Furthermore, a further decline in the rule of law and a deterioration of fundamental rights have been observed very recently, continuing the trend that has pushed the country towards an authoritarian model over the past decade. This persistent inaction is a clear indication of the Turkish government's lack of genuine political will for reform or for reviving the accession process.
Parliament reaffirmed its firm conviction that, beyond the accession process, which is currently at a standstill due to non-compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and the lack of democratic reforms, Türkiye is a country of strategic importance, a NATO ally, and a country with which the EU maintains relations at several levels. It stressed the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest, particularly with regard to Cyprus.
The way forward
Parliament affirmed that the Turkish government has not taken the necessary steps to address the fundamental democratic shortcomings within the country and therefore maintains its view that Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot resume under the current circumstances. It took note of recent calls by figures in the Turkish opposition for the reopening of accession negotiations but hesitates to support them unless the Turkish government gives a clear signal of its willingness to re-engage with the EU through concrete and credible actions
Members reiterated that, as with any other candidate country, the accession process is conditional upon full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and the normalisation of relations with all EU Member States. They stressed that, in order to move towards closer cooperation between the EU and Türkiye, it is essential that Türkiye demonstrate a constructive attitude, including on the Cyprus issue.
Parliament continued to urge the Turkish government to engage constructively with the EU institutions and Member States, and to pursue its efforts towards a closer, more dynamic, and more strategic partnership, based on the relevant conclusions of the Council and the European Council. It stressed the need to initiate a process of reflection on how this new, constructive and progressive framework for EU-Turkey relations, grounded in respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, can take into account the interests of all parties involved. Members suggested strengthening the EU-Türkiye partnership by, for example, the modernisation and enhancement of the current Association Agreement.
Parliament warned that a continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law in the near future will only further distance Turkey from the EU. It believes it is in the EU's interest to reassess how Turkey can remain anchored to the Union, not only in terms of standards, but also in terms of values and principles.
Concerned by the gradual establishment of a new autocratic regime on the EU's doorstep, Members urged all EU institutions and Member States to condemn the ongoing democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Turkey, particularly the dismantling of pluralist democracy. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to maintaining support for Turkey's independent civil society.
Parliament expressed hope for a change of course in the Turkish government's engagement on the fundamental issues at the core of the EU accession process, which would allow the EU-Turkey relationship to evolve towards a closer partnership, with the perspective of a possible future reopening of the accession process.