Positive Developments Amid Persistent Challenges In a detailed address to the European Parliament, Commissioner Marta Kos outlined the current state of EU–Türkiye relations, referring to the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports. She noted the constructive de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean, renewed Greece-Türkiye bilateral talks, and positive cooperation on migration and trade. These advances have fostered a "phased, proportionate, and reversible" approach endorsed by the European Council in April 2024 to deepen cooperation in mutual areas of interest, including climate action, green transition, and energy efficiency.
Rule of Law and Human Rights Concerns Yet, Kos emphasized that these improvements on foreign policy fronts have not been matched by progress on domestic reforms within Türkiye. She cited concerns over continued setbacks in fundamental freedoms—particularly the rule of law, freedom of expression, and association. The broad application of anti-terror legislation, detention of elected officials, media restrictions, and Türkiye's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention remain major obstacles. These issues underline a political cleavage between EU expectations of strengthening democratic institutions and Türkiye's current practices.
Trade and Strategic Partnership Economic ties remain robust, with record trade reaching EUR 206 billion in 2024, cementing the EU as Türkiye's largest trade partner. However, Türkiye's non-alignment with some EU sanctions raises challenges for regulatory enforcement and compliance, despite ongoing constructive dialogue.
Stakeholder Impacts and Political Implications - EU regulatory bodies and national authorities benefit from reinforced economic cooperation but face enforcement complexities due to Türkiye's sanction policies. - EU producers and investors may gain from strategic sector investments yet confront uncertainties related to Türkiye's domestic political environment. - Civil society organizations in Türkiye receive continued EU support, crucial for democratic advocacy but are hindered by restrictive national policies. - EU policymakers grapple with balancing strategic regional cooperation against concerns over democratic backsliding.
Commissioner Kos's speech signals a policy orientation favoring increased diplomatic engagement, while firmly anchoring EU expectations on human rights and the rule of law as prerequisites for advancing cooperation. It reflects measured scrutiny rather than a policy shift on accession, emphasizing reciprocity and Türkiye’s clarifications on its desired EU relationship.
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