The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group in the European Parliament has tabled a series of amendments to the annual report on Turkey, seeking to escalate the language from concern to outright condemnation over the country's democratic backsliding. The amendments, published on 10 June 2026 as part of the report by Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain), introduce new allegations of authoritarian consolidation, including specific references to the judicial targeting of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).
The amendments aim to update the report with the most recent and severe instances of democratic backsliding, particularly the judicial targeting of the main opposition party (CHP). The most contested aspects are the state of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the political persecution of opposition figures. The S&D amendments seek to replace general condemnation with specific, updated allegations of authoritarian consolidation.
Key changes include a new recital detailing the Ankara Regional Court of Appeals' ruling of "absolute nullity" on the CHP's 2023 party congress, which annulled the election of party leader Özgür Özel. This frames the government's actions as a direct attack on internal party democracy. Another amendment explicitly "condemns" the government's "relentless targeting" of the CHP, stating it moves Turkey "toward fully authoritarian rule." A further amendment rewrites a paragraph to focus solely on the "massive political case" against Ekrem İmamoğlu, updating the number of defendants to over 400.
The amendments also update figures on dismissed mayors from 28 to "at least 39" and trustee appointments from 11 to 13, reinforcing the narrative of a systematic crackdown on local democracy. A new concluding sentence expresses "alarm about the gradual consolidation of another autocratic system on the EU's doorstep," explicitly linking Turkey's trajectory to direct and far-reaching consequences for the EU.
As only the S&D Group tabled amendments, a comparison of group positions is limited. The absence of amendments from other groups (EPP, Renew, ECR, etc.) suggests either tacit agreement with the original text or a strategic decision not to engage in a public battle over these specific points at this stage, leaving the S&D as the primary driver for a more hardline stance.
Impact on stakeholders: The amendments, if adopted, would sharpen the EU's critical stance toward Turkey, potentially straining EU-Turkey relations further. Turkish authorities may face increased diplomatic pressure and reputational damage. The CHP and opposition figures could gain international solidarity, while the Turkish government may view the report as interference. EU institutions would need to balance a firmer line with maintaining dialogue on migration and trade.
The report is scheduled for a plenary vote later in June 2026. The amendments will be debated and voted on in the European Parliament, with the final text shaping the EU's official position on Turkey for the coming year.