EU Parliament Freezes Türkiye’s Membership Bid, Cites ‘Democratic Decline’
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The European Parliament has formally declared that Türkiye’s EU accession process is indefinitely suspended, stating that geopolitical and strategic importance cannot compensate for ongoing democratic deterioration. The decision was adopted on Wednesday with 367 votes in favor.
In the approved report, lawmakers emphasized that Türkiye cannot resume accession negotiations under current conditions. While acknowledging the pro-European aspirations of a significant portion of Turkish society, the Parliament reiterated that membership criteria are non-negotiable.
Democracy Failings and Political Pressure Draw Criticism
The report sharply criticized worsening democratic standards in Türkiye, pointing to increased repression against opposition figures and civic activism. It cited the case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, describing legal actions against him as an attempt to block legitimate political competition.
The Parliament also condemned Türkiye’s recent crackdown on peaceful protests, citing disproportionate police responses and rushed, evidence-light judicial proceedings as clear signs of authoritarian drift.
Erdoğan’s Visit to Northern Cyprus Slammed as Illegal
The European Parliament also criticized President Erdoğan’s visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, labeling it as illegal and a direct intervention in the interests of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. This move, the report claimed, further distances Türkiye from democratic norms and international law.
Shift Toward Alternative EU-Türkiye Partnership Framework
With full membership talks effectively frozen, the report reflects a growing preference within the EU for reshaping Türkiye-EU relations into a strategic partnership rather than a membership-driven process. Areas like climate action, energy security, counterterrorism, and regional stability were highlighted as potential domains of closer cooperation.
Despite this shift, lawmakers urged the EU not to completely sever accession ties, particularly due to widespread pro-democracy sentiment among Türkiye’s youth.
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