“Turkey continues to move away from the European Union, so the EU accession negotiations are at a standstill.
There are concerns about the observance of the rule of law and human rights,” he said during a debate on relations with Ankara in the European Parliament.
He stressed that Turkey "does not respect fundamental rights", and the opposition cannot express their opinion.
"Turkey's refusal to comply with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights is of particular concern," RIA Novosti quoted the European official as saying.
At the same time, Varheli noted that Turkey remains a key partner in matters that affect the common interests of Ankara and Brussels.
In 1963, Turkey signed an association agreement with the EU.
In 1987, the country applied for membership in the union.
In January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara aimed at full membership in the European Union, but the entry process was being delayed.