The EU has a strategic interest in ensuring a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing cooperation and a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, according to the draft of the European Commission’s report on enlargement.
It is emphasized that Ankara needs to commit to good-neighborly relations, and the conclusions of the March 2021 Summit are recalled; it is underscored that must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states.
The text also points out that Accession negotiations with Turkey remain at a standstill. There is talk of setbacks in areas such as democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and the independence of the judiciary. It should also be noted that there are serious shortcomings in the functioning of Turkey’s democratic institutions, and that the situation regarding human and fundamental rights continues to deteriorate.
