The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), released enlargement reports for 10 countries including Ukraine and Turkey. In a written statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter, it was stated, “We reject the unfair evaluations of the EU, especially on political criteria and internal political dynamics, in the 2024 Turkey Report.” The statement also indicated that the removal of political obstacles in Turkey-EU relations is expected.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted with a written statement following the release of the Turkey report by the EU.

The statement by the ministry stated, “We reject the unfair evaluations of the EU, especially on political criteria and internal political dynamics, in the 2024 Turkey Report.”

The report highlighted the progress made in macroeconomic policies and emphasized Turkey’s advanced adaptation to a functioning market economy as well as its capacity to deal with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union.

“POSSIBILITY TO TAKE JOINT STEPS IN MANY AREAS”

The statement emphasized that the report reaffirmed Turkey’s alignment with EU standards in many areas by harmonizing its legislation with the EU, and stated, “With the revival of all suspended structural dialog mechanisms such as the Partnership Council and High-Level Dialogue Meetings in critical areas, it is possible to take joint steps in many areas.”

The statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also highlighted in the report that Turkey has played a constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean, improved its relations with Greece, and enhanced its cooperation with the EU on trade matters.

“EXPECTING THE REMOVAL OF POLITICAL OBSTACLES”

The statement used the phrase, “Based on our constructive approach recorded in the Report, we expect the removal of political obstacles in Turkey-EU relations that were implemented with the Council Conclusions of July 15, 2019.”

It was also emphasized in the statement that the report reflects the unrealistic and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, ignoring the legitimate concerns and just policies of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“RESOLUTION SHOULD BE AGREED BY BOTH SIDES”

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the statement continued, “We would like to underline that the format aimed at the resolution of the Cyprus issue exclusively includes the two sides on the island, the three Guarantor powers, and United Nations. Any future resolution should be agreed upon by both sides on the island. We remind that the EU has no authority to set the boundaries of third countries or make decisions in this regard.”

“EU’S COOPERATION EFFORTS REQUIRE CONCRETE STEPS”

The statement mentioned that the current regional and global challenges necessitate a new perspective in Turkey-EU relations and stated, “We welcome the EU’s recent efforts to cooperate with Turkey. However, the revitalization of the relations requires concrete steps based on the EU’s political will and strategic vision.”

The statement also reiterated the strong and transparent political will of Turkey as a candidate country to develop its relations with the EU constructively.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded the statement with, “The progress expected from Turkey in the EU membership process will accelerate with the implementation of a constructive and strategic approach by the EU that is appropriate for Turkey’s candidate status, without any delay or additional precondition. In this context, we expect the recommendations included in the Joint Communication prepared by the European Commission and the High Representative to be implemented without delay or additional preconditions.”