The Commission’s 2014 Progress Report on Turkey highlights a number of important steps taken by Turkey over the past 12 months. These steps include: the adoption of law implementing a democratisation package and the Action Plan for the Prevention of Violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, the signature and the entry into force of the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement and the simultaneous launch of the visa dialogue, as well as the continuation of the process aiming for a settlement of the Kurdish issue.

At the same time, the report emphasises a number of concerns. These concerns relate to the adoption of the legislation undermining the independence of the judiciary, massive reassignments and dismissal of judges and prosecutors and even detention of a high number of police officers, as well as blanket bans imposed on social media.

Moreover, European Commission urges Turkey to avoid actions causing tension with its neighbours in a section dealing with Turkey’s relations with Greece and Cyprus referring that Turkey should “avoid any kind of threat or action directed against a Member State or source of friction or actions, which could damage good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

Also, the report notes that Greece and Cyprus have made formal complaints about repeated and increased violations of their territorial waters and airspace by Turkey, including flights over Greek islands.

On Turkey’s relations with Cyprus, the report mentions that “Turkey has not fulfilled its obligation to ensure full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and has not removed all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on direct transport links with Cyprus. There was no progress on normalising bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus.Turkey has not lifted its veto of Cyprus’ membership of several international organisations”.

In this context, the report released reiterates European Council conclusions that “Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” while expressing serious concern.

For the full report, please click here.