site.btaTurkiye Rejects Rule-of-Law Findings in European Commission’s Progress Report

Reacting to the European Commission's latest progress report on Turkiye, the country's Foreign Ministry categorically rejected what it called the "biased, prejudiced, and baseless allegations regarding the judiciary, fundamental rights, and domestic political developments". "The content in question is not only incompatible with efforts to advance a positive agenda between Turkiye and the EU, but also runs counter to the long-term interests of both sides," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website.

On November 4, the European Commission presented its annual reports on the progress of the countries aspiring to accede the European Union. The documents assess the advancement of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Turkiye, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia on their path toward EU membership. The report on Turkiye says that while the country remains a candidate country and key partner for the EU, the deterioration of democratic standards, judicial independence, and fundamental rights has yet to be addressed.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in its reaction:

"The level of alignment with the EU acquis presented in the Report, despite the political and unjust obstacles we have faced in the accession process, is the strongest expression of our commitment to the strategic goal of EU membership.

"We consider the emphasis in the Report on Turkiye’s high level of alignment with a functioning market economy and its sound macroeconomic policies as positive and accurate findings.

"We note with satisfaction that the Report refers to Turkiye’s constructive approach in the Eastern Mediterranean, the improvement in relations with Greece, and the increased dialogue with the EU. In light of these positive developments, we once again underline our legitimate expectation for the immediate lifting of the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 15 July 2019.

"We also consider positively the references to Turkiye’s active and multi-layered foreign policy vision, its dedicated efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. Likewise, we find it noteworthy that the Report emphasizes Turkiye’s strategic importance for the EU in the face of regional and global challenges, as well as the responsibilities in areas of common interest. In this context, it is important to ensure the functioning of the association organs and established mechanisms between Turkiye and the EU, and to actively involve Turkiye in the EU’s initiatives and programs in the field of defense and security.

"As always, the inclusion in the Report of the unrealistic, unlawful, and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, while disregarding the legitimate concerns of Turkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, once again proves that the EU takes sides on the Cyprus issue and that it cannot contribute to settlement efforts of the issue.

"It is of vital importance that the EU conducts its relations with Turkiye within the framework of the principle of pacta sunt servanda, with an approach that strengthens the membership perspective, refrains from policies and rhetoric that lead to deadlock, and maintains an impartial position without allowing the relations to be taken hostage by bilateral issues.

"Developing a stronger, more institutionalized, and mutually trust-based cooperation between Turkiye and the EU is in the interest of both Turkiye and Europe, as well as our wider region.

"Turkiye resolutely continues its efforts with this understanding and vision, and expects the EU to demonstrate the same strategic will and constructive approach."