Rapporteur criticizes EU for deprioritizing human rights violations in Türkiye membership negotiation News
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Rapporteur criticizes EU for deprioritizing human rights violations in Türkiye membership negotiation

The European Parliament’s Türkiye rapporteur, Nacho Sanchez Amor, expressed concern on Monday that persistent human rights violations and regression on democratic standards in Türkiye are receiving diminished criticism from the European Union (EU) due to Ankara’s perceived shift away from its candidacy for EU membership. Amor highlighted the EU’s waning focus on Türkiye’s accession process, suggesting that Brussels and Ankara have deprioritized this agenda.

Amor, a Spanish social democrat who served as Türkiye rapporteur for five years, observed that the EU’s engagement with Türkiye has increasingly centered on geopolitical negotiations rather than membership aspirations. He noted that the EU’s approach has become more transactional, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as migration and regional security while sidelining discussions on democratic reforms and human rights.

The rapporteur emphasized that this shift in perspective could explain the EU’s muted response to Türkiye’s internal issues. He pointed out that the European Commission’s leadership, exemplified by President Ursula von der Leyen’s visits to Ankara, often prioritizes strategic cooperation over addressing democratic backsliding. According to Amor, this pragmatic stance reflects a broader EU sentiment that views Türkiye less as a prospective member and more as a strategic partner.

Amor also addressed recent detentions and legal actions against Türkiye’s political figures and business leaders. He expressed concern over the arrests of opposition politicians and the appointment of trustees to replace elected mayors, describing these actions as detrimental to democratic principles. The rapporteur highlighted that such measures undermine local governance and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The rapporteur further criticized the current judicial environment in Türkiye, suggesting that it deters foreign investment. He argued that the lack of judicial independence and the potential risks of legal repercussions for employees make Türkiye a less attractive destination for European investors. Amor suggested that this economic dimension is intrinsically linked to the broader issues of human rights and democratic governance.

Türkiye’s efforts to join the European Union date back to 1987 when it first applied for membership, gaining candidate status in 1999. Accession negotiations formally began in 2005 but have stalled due to concerns over human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance. Key issues, including restrictions on press freedom, judicial independence, and political opposition, have hindered progress. Additionally, tensions over Cyprus, migration policies, and Ankara’s shifting foreign relations have further complicated the accession. 

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