European Commission Releases 2024 Report on Türkiye
Ankara, 31 October 2024 – The European Commission has released its latest report on Türkiye, assessing the country’s progress towards EU membership.
Key Findings
The report acknowledges Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to meet the Copenhagen Criteria, which includes political, economic, and legal requirements for EU membership. However, it also highlights several areas where further improvements are needed:
- Rule of law: Concerns were raised over the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression, and the treatment of political opponents.
- Democracy: The report noted the need for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that elections are fair and transparent.
- Fundamental rights: Türkiye was urged to address issues related to minority rights, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination.
- Economic development: The report praised Türkiye’s economic growth but called for reforms to reduce unemployment and improve the investment climate.
- Foreign policy: Türkiye’s interactions with neighboring countries and its role in international organizations were scrutinized, with recommendations for enhancing cooperation.
Recommendations
The European Commission recommended a number of measures to address these concerns, including:
- Strengthening the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
- Guaranteeing freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of journalists.
- Implementing comprehensive reforms to protect minority rights and promote gender equality.
- Fostering a more favorable business environment and reducing unemployment.
- Enhancing cooperation with the EU and its member states on foreign policy issues.
Implications
The report is a significant assessment of Türkiye’s progress towards EU membership and will have implications for the ongoing negotiations. The European Commission has stated that it will monitor Türkiye’s progress closely and will provide further updates in its future reports.
Turkish Government Response
The Turkish government has welcomed the report and expressed its commitment to addressing the concerns raised. It has highlighted its ongoing efforts in areas such as judicial reform, freedom of expression, and minority rights.
Next Steps
The European Commission and Türkiye will continue their discussions on the EU membership process, based on the recommendations outlined in the report. The next progress report is expected to be published in October 2025.
No: 226, 31 October 2024, Regarding the European Commission 2024 Report on Türkiye
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