The European Parliament insists that Turkey’s EU membership bid should remain “frozen” due to a persistent decline in democratic standards. The Parliament criticizes the government’s crackdown on protests concerning Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest, and the suppression of May Day demonstrations, along with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to occupied areas.
The EU’s Parliament asserts that Turkey’s strategic significance cannot offset its democratic regression; the accession criteria are firm and non-negotiable.
367 Votes for “Frozen” Negotiations
The European Parliament’s report, approved with 367 votes in favor, 74 against, and 188 abstentions, states that under the current situation, Turkey’s EU accession process cannot be reinitiated, even with the pro-European aspirations of many Turkish citizens.
The report highlights the Turkish government’s failure to rectify key democratic deficiencies and indicates a growing shift within the EU towards establishing “a different framework for relations,” potentially at the cost of the accession process.
The Parliament calls upon the Turkish authorities, EU institutions, and member states to foster a closer and more dynamic partnership despite the frozen accession process, focusing on climate action, energy security, counter-terrorism collaboration, and regional stability.
EU Accession Criteria are Non-Negotiable
Members of the European Parliament express serious concern about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Turkey and the systematic suppression of dissent. They denounce the violent repression of recent peaceful protests and the swift, evidence-free trials of hundreds of demonstrators. They also criticize the targeting of opposition parties and see the actions against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as politically motivated, designed to hinder a legitimate contender in upcoming elections. Such actions are perceived as moving Turkey closer to an authoritarian model.
Fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria—stable institutions that uphold democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and good neighborly relations—is essential for EU accession. These criteria are absolute and not open to negotiation, and the recognition of all EU member states is a fundamental part of the accession process, according to the report.
The Parliament continues to acknowledge and support the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish citizens, particularly among the youth, emphasizing that these aspirations are crucial to sustaining Turkey’s accession process.
Deeper Cooperation in Areas of Mutual Strategic Interest
MEPs recognize Turkey’s geopolitical significance and its influence in critical international security areas, including the Black Sea, Ukraine, and the Middle East. They note that Turkey is a strategic partner and NATO ally and that the EU maintains important relations with Turkey in security, trade, economy, and migration. Therefore, maintaining constructive dialogue and enhancing cooperation in mutual strategic areas is vital.
However, MEPs caution that Turkey’s democratic backsliding and divergence from the EU’s foreign and security policy hinder progress, particularly as Turkey seeks membership in BRICS+ and expresses interest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which conflicts fundamentally with the accession process.
They also voice concerns regarding Turkey’s responsibilities in NATO, noting its inclination towards a “multilateral approach to promoting its interests” without fully cooperating with established alliances.
Regional Cooperation and Good Neighborly Relations
The Parliament reiterates the necessity of Turkey’s cooperation in managing migration, urging the Commission to maintain transparency in fund allocation and expressing concern over human rights violations in EU-funded detention facilities in Turkey. They also highlight the rising number of asylum applications in Cyprus and remind Turkey of its responsibilities in combating irregular migration and implementing the readmission agreement regarding Cyprus.
Furthermore, the report expresses regret over tensions concerning Greek territorial waters and Turkey’s ongoing violations of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty, including the promotion of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine. Turkey is called upon to respect EU and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to refrain from unilateral actions in relation to the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
On the Cyprus issue, the Parliament emphasizes the need for renewed political will for peaceful negotiations under UN auspices, welcoming the informal talks scheduled for March 2025 along with new confidence-building measures. They firmly assert that a just and comprehensive resolution to the Cyprus problem must be reached within the agreed UN framework, advocating for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation.
“Membership is About Democracy”
Rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (Socialists, Spain) stated: “Turkish authorities frequently claim their commitment to EU accession and highlight its importance for security and geopolitics, but this is misguided. Membership hinges on democratic principles, and by further entrenching an authoritarian model—evidenced by the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu—they distance themselves from EU membership.”
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