EU Recognizes Türkiye's Growing Influence Despite Democratic Concerns
(MENAFN) The European Commission's 2026 assessment of Türkiye acknowledges the country's increasing significance to the European Union in strategic, economic and defense matters, while maintaining criticism over democratic governance and the prolonged suspension of membership negotiations.
The document reaffirmed Türkiye's status as an EU candidate and an important regional partner, emphasizing that the country "as a close neighbour in a crucial geostrategic location, plays an important role in European security and the cross-regional connectivity agenda."
It also highlighted Türkiye's expanding geopolitical influence, noting that international developments have reinforced its importance, particularly regarding the situations in Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, the broader Middle East and the South Caucasus.
The assessment further indicated that Ankara and Brussels had resumed engagement on several issues of shared interest. It also acknowledged Türkiye's establishment of institutional mechanisms designed to coordinate its EU accession efforts.
Nevertheless, the Commission stressed that membership negotiations have remained suspended since 2018. It maintained that longstanding EU concerns regarding declining democratic standards, the rule of law, judicial independence and the protection of fundamental rights have yet to be adequately addressed.
The report also emphasized the importance of restarting negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus dispute, describing progress on this issue as an important factor in advancing cooperation between Türkiye and the European Union.
The document reaffirmed Türkiye's status as an EU candidate and an important regional partner, emphasizing that the country "as a close neighbour in a crucial geostrategic location, plays an important role in European security and the cross-regional connectivity agenda."
It also highlighted Türkiye's expanding geopolitical influence, noting that international developments have reinforced its importance, particularly regarding the situations in Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, the broader Middle East and the South Caucasus.
The assessment further indicated that Ankara and Brussels had resumed engagement on several issues of shared interest. It also acknowledged Türkiye's establishment of institutional mechanisms designed to coordinate its EU accession efforts.
Nevertheless, the Commission stressed that membership negotiations have remained suspended since 2018. It maintained that longstanding EU concerns regarding declining democratic standards, the rule of law, judicial independence and the protection of fundamental rights have yet to be adequately addressed.
The report also emphasized the importance of restarting negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus dispute, describing progress on this issue as an important factor in advancing cooperation between Türkiye and the European Union.
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