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Olivér Várhelyi is the EU commissioner responsible for EU enlargement
Photo: POOL / REUTERS
With its new report on Turkey, the EU Commission is sharply criticizing the leadership of the Islamic-conservative President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In the area of democracy, there have recently been further setbacks, according to the evaluation of the development of the country, which continues to be a candidate for EU membership, published on Tuesday. The EU also had concerns about the further deterioration of the rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary.
Specifically, the EU Commission criticizes the fact that special powers introduced for state authorities in the course of the coup attempt in 2016 are still valid and have a strong influence on democracy and fundamental rights.
In addition, the authority accuses Turkey, among other things, of continued pressure on civil society and mayors of opposition parties.
According to the report, there are positive developments in very few areas and to a limited extent.
Examples include advances in the fight against organized crime and improved protection of the eastern land border.
The EU accession negotiations with Turkey have been on hold for several years because of the unsatisfactory developments in the country from a Brussels perspective.
One of the reasons why the talks have not yet been finally concluded is the importance of the country in the fight against illegal migration to Western Europe.
It will therefore also be able to benefit from EU financial aid in the future.
Balkan countries get better certificates
In addition to the developments in Turkey, the EU Commission also assessed the situation in Kosovo as well as in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
Most of the Balkan states aspiring to join the EU received a significantly better certificate - even if they are still faced with huge reform challenges.
The EU commissioner Olivér Várhelyi commented on the presentation of the reports in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the EU enlargement process was “a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, security and economic growth on the European continent”.
At the same time, however, he is also orienting himself towards the reform efforts of the EU accession aspirants.
svs / dpa