The Renew Europe group has tabled amendments to the European Parliament's annual report on Türkiye that would remove the EU accession process as the central reference point for the bilateral relationship, replacing it with a pragmatic framework based on shared values and strategic interests. The amendments, published on 10 June 2026 as part of the report by rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain), mark a significant recalibration of the Parliament's stance.
The most substantive change, Amendment 1, would replace the original text's conditional hope for a "change of course" that would allow the relationship to "develop towards a closer partnership with the perspective of a possible future reopening of the accession process" with a simpler aspiration to "improve" based on "the EU's values and strategic interests." This effectively decouples the relationship from the stalled accession framework, signalling a more transactional approach focused on tangible cooperation in areas such as migration, trade, and security.
Two further amendments, Amendments 2 and 3, leave the original text unchanged, confirming that Renew maintains its firm criticism of the Turkish government's domestic record, including the targeting of the opposition and harassment of journalists. The group thus draws a clear line between its pragmatic shift on the relationship's framework and its continued condemnation of democratic backsliding.
The amendments reveal a divergence from the original report's likely stance, which reflects the consensus of the committee and the rapporteur's position. While other groups such as the EPP, S&D, and Greens/EFA have traditionally kept the accession process as the official anchor of EU-Türkiye relations, Renew's proposal carves out a distinct middle ground, moving away from a conditional, process-oriented approach toward a more flexible, interest-based partnership.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU institutions: The amendments, if adopted, would shift the Parliament's negotiating position vis-à-vis the Council and Commission, potentially aligning more closely with the Council's recent preference for a "phased and proportionate" approach to relations with Ankara. The change could reduce institutional friction over the accession framework. - Turkish government: The decoupling from accession removes a long-standing incentive for reform but also reduces the political cost of stalled negotiations. Ankara may welcome the pragmatic shift, though the continued strong criticism of its domestic record remains a point of contention. - EU civil society and human rights advocates: The unchanged amendments on democratic backsliding ensure that human rights concerns remain central. However, the removal of the accession perspective could weaken the EU's leverage on political criteria, as the accession process has been the primary tool for demanding reforms. - EU businesses and investors: A more pragmatic relationship could facilitate cooperation in trade and energy, reducing uncertainty. However, the absence of a clear accession roadmap may limit long-term investment incentives tied to EU integration.
Next steps
The amendments will be voted on in the European Parliament's plenary session, likely in June or July 2026. If adopted, they would form part of the final resolution, which is non-binding but carries political weight. The Council and Commission will take note of the Parliament's position as they shape their own engagement with Türkiye.
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