The repression against the political opposition, the LGBT community, and the press in Turkey is pushing Ankara even further away from joining the European Union (EU). The message was conveyed by the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, specifying that a close partnership is still necessary.
The official spoke about the importance of cooperation, against the backdrop of international tensions. Kos reported that the EU’s vision on Turkey’s accession will be published in the next enlargement report, which will be launched at the end of October.
“The recent events affecting media freedom, the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, and democracy further deepen the gap from Turkey’s objective of joining the EU. Our next enlargement report, which will be published on October 28, will reflect our serious concerns in these areas. And I will not shy away from the duty to announce the facts publicly and clearly”, Kos said.
The process of Turkey’s accession to the EU has been blocked for years, due to issues related to the independence of justice, respect for human rights and sexual minorities, and freedom of the press – problems that have become acute for Turkey.
Recep Tayip Erdogan stated in August that the country’s accession to the EU is no longer a priority, even though Turkey’s candidacy has not been officially withdrawn.
Brussels intends to develop mutually beneficial relations with Ankara, whose strategic importance has increased in recent years, along with the attacks in the Black Sea between Russia and Ukraine and the numerous conflicts in the Middle East.