Türkiye’s accession process to the European Union must remain frozen, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have said.
MEPs have argued that Türkiye’s geopolitical and strategic importance “cannot make up for the government’s democratic backsliding” adding that EU membership criteria are not up for negotiation, Schengen.News reports.
In a report adopted on Wednesday, MEPS, with 367 votes in favour, 74 against and 188 abstentions, agreed that, under the current circumstances, “Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot resume,” in spite of the democratic and pro-European aspirations for a large part of Turkish society.
According to the report, the Turkish government has failed to address fundamental democratic shortcomings, highlighting the increasing shift within the EU towards “a different framework for the relationship, which might come at the expense of the accession process”.
However, Parliament has called on the Turkish government to work towards a closer, more dynamic and strategic partnership with particularly in various fields.
MEPS are deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye and by the relentless suppression of critical voices. They condemn the harsh crackdown on the recent peaceful mass protests and the prosecution of hundreds of protesters through hasty mass trials lacking any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
According to the report, EU accession depends on criteria such as stable institutions, including strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, respect for and the protection of minorities, human rights, good neighbourly relations, as well as compliance with international law as well as alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy.
EU Accession a Top Priority for Türkiye
The accession talks between Türkiye and the European Union started this year, after stalling in the past years as a result of disagreements between both territories.
In December last year, the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that the EU accession continues to remain among the top priorities of his country.
In March this year, Erdogan said that Türkiye considers the EU accession process a “strategic priority” as it is an inseparable part of Europe.
It is becoming increasingly impossible for Europe to continue as a global actor without Türkiye taking its rightful place. Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
In addition, back then, the President of Türkiye said that Europe’s security without Türkiye is “unimaginable”.
The President also said that results in this regard can be achieved within a short period, if the necessary will is shown.