In its annual report, the European Parliament underlines that unless the Turkish government drastically changes its course, its EU accession process cannot continue under the current circumstances.

MEPs urged Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to stop and reverse all unilateral activities and to avoid any further actions and provocations that are not conducive to the resumption of UN-sponsored negotiations.

The report also notes that no significant progress has been made in protecting the rights of minorities, including those in Imbros and Tenedos. The European Parliament called on the Turkish authorities to fully respect the historical and cultural character of cultural and religious monuments, noting with concern the recent developments concerning the Hagia Sophia monument and the Chora Museum. Reference is also made to the reopening of the Theological School of Halki, the need for respect and recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the protection of minorities from hate speech and religious sites from vandalism.

The report was adopted on Wednesday with 434 votes in favour, 18 against and 152 abstentions.

Urging the Turkish government, but also the European Union and member states to break the current deadlock and move towards a closer partnership, MEPs recommended finding a parallel and realistic framework for EU-Turkey relations and call on the Commission to explore the possible forms this could take.

MEPs reaffirmed that Turkey remains an EU candidate, a NATO ally, and a key partner in the areas of security, trade and economic relations, and migration, stressing however, that the country is expected to respect democratic values, the rule of law, human rights and to comply with EU laws, principles and obligations.

The Parliament condemned the start of illegal construction work by the Turkish occupying forces within the security zone near the bicommunal village of Pyla/Pile in Cyprus, as well as attacks on UN peacekeepers and damage to UN vehicles on 18 August 2023.

MEPs praise Turkey’s efforts to continue hosting the world’s largest refugee population of nearly four million people. They welcome the fact that the EU continues to provide funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and are determined to maintain this funding in the future.

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