EU - Turkey

In a report adopted on June 2022, MEPs warned that despite Turkey's repeated declarations of its goal of EU membership, over the past two years the country has consistently reneged on its commitments regarding the accession process. MEPs point to the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and regret the continued legal and administrative pressure on civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists. They call on the Commission to provide sufficient funding to support pro-democracy actions in Turkey.

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005. In recent years the EU is often criticizing the backsliding of the country in certain areas.

As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Turkey is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism, and the economy, but according to the EU has been backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.