The European Commission said on Tuesday in a report that the Turkish government "has undermined its economy, democratic standards and the independence of the judiciary, making Ankara further than ever before joining the European Union."

On the other hand, the Turkish Foreign Ministry rejected the criticisms contained in the commission's report, accusing it of bias.

The Commission - the executive arm of the European Union - concluded in its annual report regarding the expansion of membership in the Union for 2020, that Turkey's foreign policy contradicts the principles and priorities of the European Union, referring to the escalation of tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The Commission criticized the concentration of all powers in the hands of the Presidency of the Republic in Turkey, and the deterioration of the country's conditions in the areas of freedom of expression, prisons and the Central Bank.

The Commission expressed - in its annual report - its deep concern about "negative developments in Turkey in the fields of rule of law, basic rights and the judiciary."

Union membership

The report added that although Turkey is still a "basic partner" of the European Union, its accession negotiations have stalled due to decisions contrary to the interests of the Union taken by the Turkish leadership, according to the commission.

Turkey has been negotiating with the European Union since 2005 to obtain its membership, and the country's authorities have undertaken political and economic reforms to comply with the criteria and requirements for obtaining that membership, but membership negotiations have been stalled since 2016.

Europe is lining up against their ally, Turkey, and the second largest force in NATO's largest military alliance.


The hypocrisy of the West and Europe, which rejects Turkey's membership in the unattractive and heavy European Union - with Britain's voluntary withdrawal - and has one of the largest fleets in the Mediterranean and the largest coasts on the Mediterranean! Europe threatens it with sanctions and red lines!

https://t.co/qTtJzDUNU4 pic.twitter.com/sd4To4TKD5

- Abdullah Al Shayji (@docshayji) August 28, 2020

The European Commission report said that the effects of the state of emergency in Turkey, which was canceled in 2018, are still continuing on democracy and basic rights, which were imposed after the failed coup attempt in the summer of 2016.

The Commission said that it is concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary in Turkey, adding that the fight against corruption in the country is still in its early stages, and that it has not recorded any progress in this regard.

On the other hand, the report praised the progress made in immigration and asylum policies in Turkey, and in other areas such as the economy, intellectual property, and scientific and research issues.

Turkish response

In its response to the European report, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Commission’s action, describing the report as “biased and unconstructive,” and stressed - in a statement - that Turkey remains committed to the European Union accession process.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry added that the report indicates the prejudices of the European Union and the policy of double standards, and said that Ankara is adhering to the dictates of the requirements of joining the European Union despite placing obstacles before it, adding, "While the report does not mention the promises of the European Union that have not been respected, it criticizes our country with baseless arguments. to her".

The Foreign Ministry said, "We sincerely hope that the European Union does not view the candidate country of Turkey through the limited and selfish interests of some circles, but rather through the great and common interests of our continent and our common vision."