IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made a statement on the Türkiye Report adopted by the General Assembly of the European Parliament on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. Zeytinoğlu stated that the report does not meet the aim of contributing to Türkiyes EU process and that it is a document that is generous in criticism but weak in terms of giving positive direction to the relations. President Zeytinoğlu continued his remarks as follows: 

"In the report prepared by EP Rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor, it is emphasised that the accession process with Türkiye can not continue, despite being a candidate country and an important partner for the EU, and that a "parallel and realistic" new framework should be found instead. In fact, the proposed new model of relations is similar to the proposals for a privileged partnership or strategic partnership that have been put forward for a long time by circles opposed to Türkiye’s EU membership. The privileged partnership, which was first put on the agenda in 2004 in a report prepared by the Christian democrats in Germany, is a model that has not been filled in since then and cannot be an alternative to full membership. Bringing these suggestions to us again does not benefit the relations. The only model that will move Türkiye-EU relations forward from their current state is the membership process. In order to revitalise this, both sides have a job to do. Revitalising EU reforms is the most important condition for Türkiye. However, unless the EU side demonstrates its will in this direction, it seems difficult to restart a credible process. The EP could have taken a more proactive role in this direction and revitalise the relations. Instead, however, it chose to put the refugee issue at the centre of relations, praising Türkiye’s role in this regard while highlighting the incompatibility of its foreign policy. It is a contradiction to expect a country whose EU membership process has been undermined in different ways to adapt to the EU foreign policy. Real co-operation and integration between the EU and Türkiye requires a holistic approach. This can only be achieved through an accession process in line with the goal of membership."