The European Parliament has adopted its annual report on EU–Turkey relations, declaring that Ankara’s accession process to the European Union ‘cannot be relaunched under current conditions’. The resolution—approved today by 381 votes in favour, 107 against, and 171 abstentions—highlights a growing ‘gap’ between Turkey and the EU’s core values and strategic interests.
Accession Process Remains Frozen
Authored by Spanish Socialist MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor, the report notes that formal accession negotiations have been ‘frozen since 2018’, citing a marked deterioration in the rule of law and democratic backsliding. It concludes that, given the ‘lack of progress’ and ongoing erosion of democratic institutions, resuming the accession process is not feasible at this time.
Alarming Human Rights Situation
The Parliament describes the state of human rights and the rule of law in Turkey as ‘dire’, pointing to a pattern of ‘democratic backsliding’ over recent years. It criticises persistent legislation and policies aimed at restricting judicial independence and fundamental rights. The report specifically condemns repeated attacks on opposition figures—including members of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and its presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu—as well as human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, artists, academics, and civil society activists.
Unprecedented Criticism of EU Silence
In a notable departure, the report directly criticises the silence of other EU institutions and several member states in the face of Turkey’s democratic decline. It urges them to adopt a ‘stronger, more vocal stance’ on rule-of-law violations.
Toward a Strategic Partnership Beyond Accession
While ruling out any near-term revival of accession talks, the Parliament encourages continued cooperation between Turkey, EU institutions, and member states. It calls for building a ‘closer, more dynamic, and strategic partnership’ across areas of mutual interest—including modernising the EU–Turkey Customs Union—and advocates for the full resumption of high-level dialogues to address shared challenges.
Visa Liberalisation and Regional Cooperation
The report stresses Turkey’s need to meet outstanding benchmarks for visa liberalisation, particularly regarding border management, document security, and anti-fraud measures.
Greek–Turkish Dialogue and Eastern Mediterranean Tensions
The Parliament welcomes the Greece–Turkey dialogue, including the planned February 2026 summit between Prime Ministers Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as a step toward de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it reiterates its call for Turkey to adopt a ‘constructive—not assertive or aggressive—approach’ in the region.
It strongly criticises Turkey’s ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, expresses deep concern over Ankara’s continued maintenance of a casus belli against Greece—deeming it incompatible with the principles of alliance and good neighbourliness—and condemns ongoing violations of Greek sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Cyprus Issue
The report reaffirms the EU’s firm support for the Republic of Cyprus and underscores Turkey’s obligation to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It calls for renewed efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue in line with UN parameters and relevant EU Council conclusions.