For the record; European Commission Türkiye Report 2024

You can find the report here.

The main criticisms and praises in the 2024 EU Türkiye Report are summarized below:

Criticisms:

1. Democratic Standards: The report criticizes Turkey for the weakening of democratic standards, including the functioning of democratic institutions. The presidential system is said to lack checks and balances, and the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament are largely diminished.
2. Rule of Law: Turkey’s rule of law is criticized for lacking judicial independence. The authorities continue to exert undue pressure on judges and prosecutors, affecting the impartiality of the judiciary. No progress has been made on issues related to the independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental rights.
3. Human Rights: There are concerns regarding the continued restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of expression, assembly, and the media. The report notes that civil society organizations operate in a challenging environment with multiple constraints and pressure from authorities.
4. Corruption: There is criticism for a lack of progress in fighting corruption. The anti-corruption framework remains weak, and there is little accountability or transparency in prosecuting and adjudicating corruption cases.
5. Public Procurement: The report criticizes the lack of transparency and alignment with EU standards in public procurement, pointing to excessive use of exemptions and negotiated procedures that hinder competition.
6. Human Rights Defenders: Ongoing legal actions against journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders are highlighted as an area of serious concern.
7. Civil Society: Civil society organizations face multiple constraints, including pressure from the authorities, stigmatisation, and discriminatory treatment against LGBTIQ individuals and women’s rights defenders.

Praises:

1. Migration and Refugees: The report praises Turkey’s efforts to host 3.6 million refugees from Syria and other countries, as well as the cooperation framework established through the 2016 EU-Turkey Statement on migration.
2. Trade Relations: Turkey’s economic relations with the EU are commended. It became the EU’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2023, with bilateral trade reaching over EUR 206 billion.
3. Economic Management: There is recognition of some progress in adopting a tighter monetary policy, which helped curb external imbalances and moderate domestic demand. The country also took steps to improve the business environment and increase investment activity.
4. Local Elections: Despite certain shortcomings, the March 2024 local elections were praised for being well organized overall and reflecting the will of the people, showing some resilience in democratic practices.
5. Environmental Policies: Turkey’s adoption of a renewed Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030) is acknowledged, as well as its continued efforts in renewable energy and decarbonization initiatives.

The key points about the 2024 EU Enlargement Report, specifically focusing on Turkey (Türkiye):

1. Report Release: The European Commission adopted the 2024 enlargement reports on October 30, 2024, which included an assessment for Türkiye along with other candidate countries[1].

2. Economic Assessment: The report acknowledged Türkiye’s advanced market economy and its ability to manage competitive pressures within the EU[3].

3. Alignment Progress: It noted that Türkiye has made significant progress in aligning with EU standards in many areas by harmonizing its legislation with the EU acquis[3].

4. Political Criteria: The Turkish Foreign Ministry rejected what it called “unfair assessments” by the EU, particularly regarding political criteria and internal political dynamics[2][3].

5. Cyprus Issue: The report’s treatment of the Cyprus issue was a major point of contention. Türkiye criticized the EU for reflecting “unrealistic, unlawful and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side”[2][3][4].

6. Regional Relations: The report acknowledged Türkiye’s improved relations with Greece and its constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean[3][4].

7. Turkish Response: Türkiye called for a “fresh perspective” on EU-Turkey relations and urged the EU to lift political blockages imposed in July 2019[3][4].

8. EU Membership Process: While Türkiye remains a candidate country, the report and Turkey’s response indicate ongoing challenges in the accession process[3].

9. Reform Priorities: The EU emphasized the need for candidate countries, including Türkiye, to accelerate structural reforms and ensure functioning market economies aligned with green and digital transition goals[1].

10. Bilateral Relations: Türkiye expressed a desire to strengthen relations with the EU constructively but called for tangible measures driven by the EU’s political resolve and strategic vision[3].

Citations:
[1] https://commission.europa.eu/news/enlargement-reports-2024-commission-outlines-progress-and-priorities-candidate-countries-2024-10-30_en
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0tco-4Sj4
[3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkiye-rejects-unfair-assessments-by-eu-in-2024-report/3380853
[4] https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-rejects-eu-enlargement-report-calls-for-fresh-perspective-18226918