19/07/2023

European Parliament: Turkey’s EU accession tied to human rights, not linked to Sweden’s NATO bid

BRUSSELS — The European Parliament has firmly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attempt to link Sweden’s accession to NATO with Turkey’s accession to the European Union. Instead, they emphasized that Turkey’s path to EU membership hinges on the promotion of public freedoms and human rights within the country.

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee stated unequivocally that Ankara’s accession to the EU cannot be advanced under the current circumstances.

Furthermore, the European Parliament urged Turkey to support Sweden’s inclusion in NATO without any further delay, as any procrastination would only play into Russia’s interests.

Expressing his views on Turkey’s EU membership, Nacho Sánchez Amor, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on the matter, emphasized that such an outcome should not be the result of geopolitical bargaining. Instead, it should be achieved when the Turkish authorities demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law within their nation.

Earlier this month, the Turkish president had attempted to condition the approval of Sweden’s inclusion in NATO on European countries’ support for Turkey’s EU membership. However, this proposal was met with clear rejection from European nations. The European Parliament’s stance reflects their firm commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights as integral components of any future EU enlargement.