Despite the “democratic and pro-European aspirations of a large part of Turkish society”, given the Turkish government’s failure to take the “necessary steps to address the existing fundamental democratic shortcomings” in the country, the European Parliament reiterated on Wednesday 7 May that Turkey’s EU accession process could not be resumed under the current circumstances.
In the report by Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spanish) which they adopted (367 votes in favour, 74 against and 188 abstentions), MEPs stress that the Turkish government continues to show a flagrant lack of political will to carry out the reforms needed to relaunch the accession process.
Parliament expresses its concern at the continuing deterioration in democratic standards and the relentless crackdown on critical voices, denouncing the decision to hold the first high-level economic dialogue between the EU and Turkey since 2019 on 3 April, despite the circumstances. Parliament urges the Turkish authorities to put an end to the current serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms, in particular the freedoms of expression and assembly.
For MEPs, beyond the accession process, “Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and plays an important role in addressing security challenges, migration management, counterterrorism, and energy security”. Recognising the country’s growing presence and influence as a NATO ally in areas crucial to international security, Parliament stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation on global security.
However, it warns that Ankara’s constructive engagement on the Cyprus question remains essential to promote closer cooperation with the EU, and condemns last week’s visit by the Turkish President to the north of the island.
MEPs also urge the Turkish government, EU institutions and Member States to continue working towards a closer, more dynamic and more strategic partnership, focusing on climate action, energy security, counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability. Parliament is also promoting a deeper partnership in all economic sectors, calling for the removal of all existing trade barriers and irritants.
To see the resolution, got to https://aeur.eu/f/goy (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)