The European Commission’s annual Enlargement Strategy and the Country Reports, released on Tuesday, disparaged Turkey’s reforms in key areas, undermining its efforts to gain membership to the European Union (EU).
The report cited “serious deficiencies” in democratic institutions and a lack of implementation of key recommendations of the Council of Europe and its bodies, serving as a significant roadblock to Turkey’s 16-year progression towards becoming an EU member.
The report stated that “democratic backsliding” has continued under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and accused his government of undermining “political pluralism” by targeting opposition parties at all levels through the use of the judiciary. Furthermore, the report highlighted concerns regarding civil society, human and fundamental rights, and freedom of expression. It said, “The rights of the most disadvantaged groups and persons belonging to minorities need better protection.”
On the foreign policy front, the report mentioned that “Turkey’s increasingly assertive foreign policy continued to collide with EU priorities under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), notably due to its support for military action in the Caucasus, Syria and Iraq.” A particular point of concern was the “Turkish-Libyan maritime delimitation and military agreements of 2019, which the EU considers an infringement of sovereign rights of third states.”
The report deemed Turkey “advanced” in economic criteria and somewhat prepared in standards such as the fight against corruption and organised crime and public administration reforms. However, it recommended that “further significant efforts are needed on legislative alignment with the EU Acquis. In all areas, implementation and enforcement need substantial improvement.”
Lastly, the report noted that Turkey’s ability to assume complete EU membership and obligations were “very limited” and recommended an “ad hoc basis” of partnership going forward.
In response to the Commission report, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying, “We reject the unjust and disproportionate assessments of the EU.” “We do not accept the unfounded claims and unjust criticism, particularly on the political criteria and judiciary and fundamental rights,” it added.
The statement further mentioned that “it would be beneficial for all if the EU, taking our common interests into account, considers Turkey as a negotiating candidate country rather than as a partner to conduct “give and take” relations with on a daily basis.” Despite the reports claims, “Turkey firmly maintains its strategic commitment to EU membership,” the statement concluded.
The report will serve as a guiding document for EU member states regarding Turkey’s membership bid. Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ally, has been pursuing EU membership since 2005. Since the attempted coup in 2016, Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian nature has resulted in tense relations with the bloc. Given the nature of political reforms the report suggests, Turkey’s aspirations of becoming the EU’s 28th member seem very unlikely.
European Commission Report on Turkey Dampens Ankara’s Bid for EU Membership
Ankara has called the European Commission report an “unjust and disproportionate assessment.”
October 21, 2021
SOURCE: Turkey Tribune