The European Parliament‘s June 2026 report on Turkey – passed by a wide majority of MEPs on Wednesday – argues that the country’s EU accession process remains at a standstill despite Ankara’s continued status as an official candidate for membership.
A majority of 381 MEPs approved a text stating that developments in democracy, the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental rights have not met the standards required for progress in accession negotiations.
The report stresses that Turkey remains an important strategic partner for the European Union in areas including security, migration, trade and energy. However, Parliament maintains that geopolitical considerations cannot replace compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, the political and legal conditions required for EU membership.
Full moon is seen over Istanbul, Turkey, April 13, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
MEPs support maintaining dialogue with Turkish authorities and strengthening contacts with Turkish civil society, local governments, academics and citizens who continue to favor closer ties with Europe. At the same time, the report calls attention to concerns over restrictions on political opposition, media freedom and civil liberties.
The resolution also addresses regional issues affecting relations between the EU and Turkey, including Cyprus and stability in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly sensitive point for EU member-state Greece. Parliament reiterates that good-neighborly relations and respect for the sovereignty of EU member states are important elements of the broader relationship.
Recognizing that accession talks are unlikely to resume under current circumstances, the report advocates exploring a more structured framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest while keeping the accession process formally separate. MEPs argue that such an approach would allow practical cooperation to continue without lowering the political and democratic standards expected of candidate countries.
