President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey may “part ways” with the European Union over EU accession after the EU released a report last week criticizing Ankara for democratic shortcomings including censorship. .
“While the EU moves to break away from Turkey, we will assess these developments and after that assessment, if necessary, we may part ways with the EU,” he told reporters before traveling to Istanbul. New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
The 2022 European Parliament report adopted this month said that “under the current circumstances, the accession process cannot be resumed.” The report cited concerns about censorship laws, the suppression of critical voices, the lack of independence of the judiciary, and the deterioration of women’s rights. .
Parliament called on the EU to explore a “parallel and realistic framework” for EU-Turkey relations.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry slammed the report, saying: “This report is full of unfair accusations and bias based on false information from anti-Turkish circles and reflects the European Parliament’s consistent superficial and short-sighted approach in relations with our country. As well as the EU future.”
read more: Türkiye slams European Parliament request over Russia sanctions
The EU and Türkiye began accession negotiations in 2005. Although the process has stalled, Turkey remains an important economic and defense partner of the EU.
In July, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said the country looked to the EU as a source of inspiration for change in an attempt to revive stalled negotiations. “This is the best option,” he said.
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