Turkey remains at an early stage of preparation in rule of law and fundamental rights, says EU  2024 report on Turkey

BRUSSELS — The European Commission has once again released a country report regarding Turkey’s accession process to the European Union.

“While claiming that it remains committed to EU membership, Turkey has embarked on a comprehensive vision in the diplomatic, economic, security and defense spheres, diversifying partnerships and asserting its strategic autonomy,” EU stated.

The report confirmed that no significant progress in accession negotiations has been made since 2018.

“The EU’s serious concerns about the continued deterioration of democratic standards, rule of law, independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental rights were not addressed,” the report added.

The report stressed that the governmental system applied in Turkey since 2018 weakens the legislative and supervisory functions of the parliament. It makes the public administration highly politicized, especially with regard to government pressure on municipalities affiliated with the opposition.

The report mentioned arresting approximately 8,000 members of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM), as well as arresting opposition MPs.

The report called for changing the structure of the Judges Supreme Council and Prosecutor General, pointing out that the authorities in Turkey are still at an early stage of compliance with EU standards, regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights.