The European Parliament’s recent approval of a report calling for an extension of the freeze on Türkiye’s European Union (EU) accession process has been met with strong condemnation from Ankara. This decision has sparked a heated debate and raised concerns about the future of Türkiye’s relationship with the EU.
The report in question is the 2023-2024 Türkiye Report, which was adopted by the European Parliament on July 6th, 2021. The report, drafted by the European Commission, evaluates the progress made by Türkiye in fulfilling the criteria for EU membership. It also makes recommendations for the future of Türkiye’s accession process.
One of the main points of contention in the report is the recommendation to extend the freeze on Türkiye’s accession process. This freeze was initially put in place in 2016 after a failed coup attempt in Türkiye, which led to a crackdown on civil liberties and human rights. The report argues that there has been a significant deterioration in the rule of law and human rights in Türkiye since then, and therefore, the freeze should be extended.
However, this decision has been met with strong opposition from Ankara. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the report, stating that it is “biased, far from constructive, and lacks objectivity.” The statement also criticized the report for ignoring the progress made by Türkiye in areas such as the economy, democracy, and human rights.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also expressed his disappointment with the European Parliament’s decision, stating that it is “unacceptable and unjust.” He emphasized that Türkiye has fulfilled all the necessary criteria for EU membership and accused the EU of using double standards when it comes to Türkiye.
The European Parliament’s decision has sparked a strong reaction from the Turkish public as well. Many people took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment with the EU’s stance towards Türkiye. Some even called for a reevaluation of Türkiye’s relationship with the EU, with some suggesting that Türkiye should abandon its pursuit of EU membership altogether.
However, despite the disappointment and frustration, it is essential to remember that Türkiye’s relationship with the EU is a crucial one. Türkiye has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999 and has made significant progress in fulfilling the criteria for accession. It is also worth noting that Türkiye is a key strategic partner for the EU, especially in areas such as security, migration, and trade.
Therefore, instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of the European Parliament’s decision, it is crucial to focus on finding a way forward. Türkiye and the EU must engage in constructive dialogue and work towards resolving the issues raised in the report. This includes addressing concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Türkiye, as well as finding a way to restart the accession process.
Moreover, it is also essential for the EU to acknowledge the progress made by Türkiye in various areas and to recognize the country’s potential as a future member. Türkiye has made significant strides in recent years, both economically and socially, and has proven to be a stable and reliable partner for the EU.
In conclusion, the European Parliament’s approval of the report calling for an extension of the freeze on Türkiye’s accession process may have caused disappointment and frustration in Ankara. However, it is crucial to approach this decision with a positive mindset and to work towards finding a solution that benefits both Türkiye and the EU. Türkiye remains committed to its goal of EU membership, and with continued efforts and cooperation, this goal can be achieved in the near future.
