Status: 14.12.2021 10:08 p.m.
EU accession negotiations with Turkey have been on hold for several years. And from Brussels’s point of view, nothing will change in that regard for the time being. One reason: Turkish foreign policy.
The EU accession negotiations with Turkey remain frozen after a unanimous decision by the Council of Ministers. “The Council notes with regret that Turkey is moving further and further away from the European Union,” it said in a statement. The opening or the conclusion of further negotiation chapters could not be considered.
Specifically, the EU states criticize the fact that Turkish foreign policy is increasingly colliding with the EU’s priorities. Libya is cited as an example, where government troops are said to have received illegal arms deliveries from Turkey. In addition, violations by Turkey of customs union agreements with the EU are denounced.
“Worrying” setbacks
On the subject of democracy, human rights and fundamental rights, the Council of Ministers reiterated the known allegations. The further setbacks in these areas are deeply worrying. This also applies to freedom of expression and the lack of independence of the judiciary. Civil society and its organizations would have to act under sustained pressure in an increasingly difficult environment.
The EU accession negotiations with Turkey that began in 2005 have been on hold for several years. One of the reasons that the talks have not yet finally ended is the importance of the country in the fight against illegal migration to Western Europe. It should therefore continue to benefit from EU financial aid in the future. The declaration states that further EU support for refugees and host communities will be ensured in good time.