European Commission report highlights democratic backsliding in Turkey

BRUSSELS — In the European Commission’s 2022 report on Turkey, the Commission confirmed that the rule of the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caused a significant decline in democracy in the country.

According to the report, Turkey is still suffering from democratic regression and continues to suffer from serious shortcomings in the performance of its democratic institutions.

The report stated that the Turkish parliament still lacks the necessary means to hold the government accountable, while the presidency actively works to erode the separation between the executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

The report also criticized Ankara for the tensions with Greece in the Aegean Sea, saying that Ankara’s position is not conducive to good neighborly relations and undermines regional stability and security.

The Commission also noted that Turkey has refrained from acceding to the European Union’s sanctions against Russia.