EU Parliament's Stance on Turkey: Accession, Rule of Law, and Geopolitics

EU Parliament's Report on Turkey Relations

• 🇪🇺 The European Parliament adopted its yearly report on relations with Turkey, sending a clear signal to President Erdogan that Turkey is on the wrong path.
• ⚖️ MEPs expressed unified concern over the rule of law, civil liberties, and press freedoms in Turkey, core values of the EU.
• 🤝 The report addresses the crackdown on political rivals and protesters, including solidarity with the jailed mayor of Istanbul, Echamanoglu.

Stalled EU Accession Process

• ⏳ Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987, and accession talks opened in 2005, but these negotiations have stalled due to concerns over democratic values.
• ⏸️ While some advocate for reinvigorating the process due to Turkey's role in Ukraine and migration policy, MEPs stated that EU membership talks cannot be restarted under current circumstances.
• 🚫 A significant portion of MEPs, like Kristoff Gumar, abstained from the vote because the report did not formally suspend or cut off negotiations.

Geopolitical Partnership and Defense Concerns

• 🌍 Despite internal issues, Turkey remains a significant partner within NATO, and its interests overlap with the EU's in areas like Ukraine.
• 🛡️ Some MEPs, like Kristoff Gumar, argue that Turkey is not a European country and should not be involved in common European defense projects, citing its actions in Syria and against Kurds.
• 🤝 Others emphasize the need to maintain dialogue and cooperation, acknowledging Turkey's role in NATO and its large army, while still demanding adherence to democratic principles.

MEPs' Stance on 'Business as Usual'

• 🚫 MEPs agree that "business as usual" with Turkey cannot continue, especially following the imprisonment of opposition leaders and journalists.
• 🗣️ The opposition in Turkey, including leaders like Salatin Demirtas and Imamoglu, reportedly advises against abolishing negotiations but urges for continued freezing and pressure.
• ✊ MEPs are committed to showing solidarity with the people of Turkey who hope for democracy, even when access to meet political figures is denied, as seen in a recent delegation visit to a prison.

Turkey's Regional Ambitions

• 🗺️ Concerns exist that President Erdogan aims to reinstall a form of the former Ottoman Empire, evidenced by Turkey's presence in Libya, Nigeria, Syria, and Azerbaijan.
• ⚠️ This regional ambition is seen by some as conflicting with European interests and the idea of Turkey as a democratic partner for European defense.
• 🎤 MEPs stress the importance of continuously raising concerns about jailed opposition figures and human rights during any discussions with Turkish counterparts.