“I have not seen this progress in recent years. On the contrary, Turkey must show that it wants to be closer to European values, European rules, the rule of law, freedom and fundamental values,” head of the European Commission Ursula von Derlin said, ANHA reported.
Turkey’s accession negotiations began in 2005, but were stalled by strained relations between Brussels and Ankara after the alleged coup attempt in Turkey in mid-2016, and subsequent arrests of rights activists, journalists and opposition politicians.
The EU has repeatedly expressed its deep concern over Turkey’s “poor record in respect for human rights, the rule of law, media freedom, anti-corruption and the presidential system.”
The European Parliament recommended that “the current negotiations for Turkey’s accession to the EU be formally suspended.”
