EU Rapporteur: Türkiye’s EU Path Blocked by Authoritarianism

European Parliament’s Rapporteur on Türkiye, Nacho Sanchez Amor, has declared that Türkiye’s EU accession process is no longer stalled due to technical gaps, but due to a democratic breakdown following the entrenchment of post-2016 emergency laws.

In pointed remarks amid worsening EU-Türkiye relations, Amor stated that Türkiye’s governance model is increasingly resembling Russia’s, citing erosion of judicial independence, suppression of media, and unchecked executive power.

“EU membership requires reform and democracy, not strategic bargaining,” Amor said. “Türkiye has diverged from EU values, particularly in rule of law and fundamental freedoms.”

Emergency Laws Have Crippled the Accession Process

Amor emphasized that Türkiye was once in a position to make significant EU progress, but laws introduced after the 2016 coup attempt—and made permanent—undermined democratic structures.

“It’s understandable to pass security laws after a coup,” he noted, “but using them against unrelated civilians and institutionalizing them has pushed Türkiye away from Europe.”

He specifically condemned the trustee (kayyum) appointments in municipalities, stating that they violate basic democratic principles.

“In a democracy, if a mayor is removed, someone from the same elected party should replace them—not someone from the losing party,” he said. “This model has become arbitrary.”

Amor pointed out that the trustee law, once annulled by the Constitutional Court in 1988, was revived via emergency decrees post-2016 and remains in force despite the end of the emergency.

“Türkiye’s Model Resembles Russia”

Amor drew direct parallels between Türkiye’s current system and authoritarian regimes:

“One-man rule, post-election impunity, media suppression, and politicized courts—these are not features of a mature democracy. As Türkiye strays from democracy, it drifts from the EU.”

He also condemned the pre-dawn detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, calling it a “criminalization tactic” incompatible with democratic norms.

Amor invoked Winston Churchill’s quote to underline the situation:

“Democracy is when the person knocking on your door at 3 a.m. is probably the milkman. In Türkiye, it’s the opposite.”

Reforms, Not Geography or Strategy, Are the Key to EU Membership

Rejecting the argument that Türkiye’s military strength and strategic location are sufficient for EU accession, Amor stressed that membership is earned through reform.

He also highlighted that foreign policy alignment with the EU is at a historic low of just 5%, further complicating the process.

“The accession offer hasn’t been revoked—but fulfilling its conditions is Türkiye’s responsibility. Cultural or religious differences aren’t barriers if obligations are met.”

Visa Liberalization: Türkiye Still Short of 6 Key Criteria

On Schengen visa liberalization, Amor said Türkiye has fulfilled 66 out of 72 required criteria, but has made no progress on the remaining six in years.

“Why hasn’t Türkiye implemented these reforms? Parliament hasn’t passed the necessary laws. These processes require action, not expectation.”

He specifically cited the anti-terror law, used against dissenting voices, as a major obstacle.

PKK Disarmament Positive but Insufficient

While he called the PKK’s disarmament declaration a historic opportunity, Amor stressed that real reform must follow.

“If the PKK is no longer armed, why are these laws still used against journalists, students, and lawyers?” he asked. “Then the law becomes a tool of repression.”

Visa Delays: Europe Shares the Blame

Amor acknowledged growing frustration among Turkish citizens over visa difficulties for students and professionals.

“The Turkish public is right to be angry. Erasmus students can’t even get visas despite having scholarships. The EU member states are being lazy,” he admitted.

He concluded by saying the European Parliament is applying pressure, but visa decisions lie with national governments, not Brussels.