European Parliament's 2026 Report Supports Turkey's Peace Process

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The European Parliament (EP) has expressed support for the "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative in its newly drafted 2026 report, acknowledging efforts to resolve the Kurdish issue through political means. While the report identifies Turkey as a vital strategic partner and NATO ally, it emphasizes that significant democratic deficiencies continue to prevent the resumption of formal EU accession negotiations.

Drafted by Spanish parliamentarian and rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor, the document highlights Turkey's complex role in security, trade, and migration, but stresses that future economic cooperation depends heavily on the rule of law.

Support for the Peace Process and Strategic Cooperation

The draft report officially commends the ongoing efforts of Turkish authorities and political parties within the context of the "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative. The EP acknowledges the aim of ending political violence and resolving the Kurdish issue but expresses regret over the government's perceived inability to take "timely and decisive steps."

Despite the accession process being stalled since 2018, the EP continues to define Turkey as a strategic partner and NATO ally. Positive remarks were also directed toward:

• Economic Stability: The report praises the macroeconomic stability and reform programs aimed at reducing inflation while maintaining growth.

  
  

• Refugee Hosting: Turkey's role in hosting approximately 2.7 million refugees, including 2.3 million Syrians under temporary protection, received renewed praise.

• Regional Dialogue: The ongoing Greco-Turkish dialogue was welcomed as a constructive step toward reducing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Critical Deficiencies in Democracy and Rule of Law

Despite the praise for strategic cooperation, the report remains deeply critical of Turkey's domestic democratic record. It notes that a failure to address judicial shortcomings signals a lack of genuine commitment to the EU accession process.

The report lists several negative trends that hinder Turkey's European ambitions:

• Judicial Independence: Concerns were raised regarding "double standards" in the judiciary and the failure to implement decisions from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Constitutional Court (AYM).

• Political Rights: The targeting of opposition members and the removal of elected opposition mayors are cited as signs of deteriorating local democracy.

• Media and Human Rights: Ongoing prosecution and censorship of journalists, as well as the situation regarding women's rights and LGBTQ+ individuals, remain major areas of concern.

Conditions for Customs Union and External Policy Alignment

The EP report acknowledges that modernizing the Customs Union is necessary given the current geopolitical climate, but sets strict conditions for approval. For the European Parliament to grant final consent, the modernization must be tied to "strong conditions linked to human rights and fundamental freedoms," as well as respect for international law.

Regarding external policy, the report notes a decline in Turkey’s alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policies. The alignment rate dropped from 6% in 2024 to just 4% in 2025. On the Cyprus issue, the EP reiterated that the only viable path is a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on the United Nations framework.

The draft report is scheduled for a vote in the EP Foreign Affairs Committee in the coming weeks, followed by a final debate and vote in the General Assembly.

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