IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu gave a statement on the Türkiye report adopted by the European Parliament with 367 votes against 74 votes against and 188 abstentions. IKV Chairperson Zeytinoğlu stated that the EP represents the peoples of the EU members and in this respect, the reports prepared by the EP are important. However, Chairperson Zeytinoğlu emphasised that the reports should be balanced and constructive:

“The report on Türkiye prepared by Rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor was adopted by the EP Plenary. EP reports are an evaluation of the annual Türkiye reports prepared by the European Commission. The report's emphasis on the need for Türkiye to fulfil the Copenhagen Criteria as a candidate country can be considered positive. It is suggested that Türkiye's accession process should continue frozen under the existing conditions and that relations should be improved in view of Türkiye's regional and strategic importance. It may be possible for membership to progress depending on the conditions. However, the issues arising from the EU in the interruption of Türkiye's EU accession process have been ignored. All the responsibility seems to be placed on Türkiye. The obstacles and vetoes arising from the EU are not addressed. In this respect, it is not possible to say that the report is balanced and constructive. The criticism of Türkiye's Cyprus policy and the use of the term ‘occupied territories’ show once again that the EU has taken sides on the Cyprus issue and missed the opportunity to play a constructive role. While stating that it supports a solution to the Cyprus issue within the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, the EP calls on Türkiye to abandon the two-state solution approach.

We all wish to see progress in Türkiye's EU process and an improvement towards EU norms and values. But for this to happen, the EU must also make an effort and stop obstructing Türkiye's progress in the EU process. The report also points to a shift in the approach of the European Commission and the European Council towards Türkiye from the accession process to a strategic partnership and warns that this could replace the accession process and candidacy.

It is positive that the report supports the updating of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union. The customs union update is discussed in a comprehensive manner. Topics that will contribute to the economic security of both sides such as digitalisation, compliance with the green deal, public procurement, due diligence obligation, sustainable development are emphasised. This is a framework that we support as IKV. However, linking the process to the Additional Protocol again reveals an unsolvable approach.

While it is emphasised that Türkiye's alignment with the EU Foreign and Security Policy has dropped from 9% in 2023 to 5% in 2024, the need to align with the EU's foreign and security policy as a candidate country is stated. However, it is regrettable that there is no assessment of how to overcome the obstacles Türkiye faces in the EU process. In conclusion, while we acknowledge the important points and warnings emphasised in the report, it is unfortunately not possible to say that the report as a whole presents a balanced and fair approach.”