On 9 June 2026, the European Parliament published amendments to its 2025 Commission report on Türkiye, proposed solely by the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group, which call for a fundamental shift in EU-Türkiye relations. The amendments advocate terminating the accession process, halting pre-accession financial assistance, and replacing the membership framework with a conditional strategic partnership, impacting Türkiye's EU candidate status and migration cooperation.
The six amendments, tabled by MEPs including Jordan Bardella and António Tânger Corrêa, represent a hardline stance diverging from the original report's more diplomatic language. The most critical change (Amendment 33) declares that the accession process 'cannot be revived' and calls on the Commission and Council to pursue only a future strategic partnership after Türkiye achieves 'full compliance' with EU conditions, effectively closing the door on membership. Amendment 34 demands that Türkiye 'should no longer receive financial assistance under IPA III,' with any remaining funds subject to 'fully transparent, strictly conditional and rigorous parliamentary scrutiny.'
Securitisation of migration cooperation and hardening of conditions
Amendment 36 reframes the EU-Türkiye migration partnership, insisting that Türkiye's hosting of refugees 'must not be used to weaponise migration or to extract financial concessions' and that cooperation 'must not be linked to any other aspect of the bilateral relationship.' This decouples migration management from broader political or financial negotiations. Amendment 35 introduces specific criticism of restrictions on Christian communities and 'antisemitic incitement in Turkish political discourse and state-affiliated media,' elevating religious freedom as a non-negotiable benchmark.
Legal challenge to Turkish maritime doctrine and scrutiny of foreign influence
Amendment 37 rejects Türkiye's 'Blue Homeland' maritime doctrine, declaring any attempt to codify it as 'null and void' under international law, directly challenging Turkish sovereignty claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. Amendment 38 expands the report's scope to include concern over 'foreign state influence' within the EU, targeting religious, educational, and cultural organisations linked to foreign governments, and calls for stricter transparency on foreign funding and governance.
Impact on stakeholders and institutional follow-up
The amendments, if adopted, would have major impacts: Türkiye would lose its EU candidate status and pre-accession funds, affecting its economy and EU integration prospects. EU member states would face a choice between a transactional partnership and continued engagement. Migration cooperation could become more transactional, potentially affecting refugee management. The European Commission and Council would need to redefine the bilateral framework. The amendments are part of the report A10-0106/2026, which will be debated and voted on in plenary. The Council's position and subsequent trilogue negotiations will determine the final outcome.