Source: European Parliament
Türkiye is a candidate country and a key partner for the EU. Accession negotiations have remained at a standstill since 2018, in line with the Council Conclusions[1].
The EU’s serious concerns about the continued deterioration of democratic standards, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights have not been addressed.
On 17-18 April 2024, the European Council reconfirmed[2] the EU’s strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye.
Since then, the EU and Türkiye held five high level dialogues in areas of mutual interest according to the Council’s guidance[3]. Türkiye has been constructive in working towards sustainable de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing trade barriers in the context of the Customs Union, and working on preventing the circumvention of sanctions against Russia.
The Turkish Foreign Minister attended an informal lunch with EU Foreign Ministers in August 2024 and May 2025. Consultations at senior officials’ level continued on foreign policy and regional issues.
The implementation of the 2016 EU-Turkey Statement[4] has continued to deliver tangible results in reducing irregular and dangerous crossings on the Eastern Mediterranean route to Europe.
Türkiye continues to provide support to approximately 3.6 million refugees, while working to prevent irregular migration. On 16 October 2023, the Commission presented the EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean route[5] with measures addressing migration management along this route, including Türkiye.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/35863/st10555-en18.pdf.
- [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf.
- [3] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
- [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/03/18/eu-turkey-statement/.
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4994.