The European Commission's report on Turkey joining the EU

This may include adverts from us and 3 rd parties based on our understanding. With already 16 years of negotiations still to come to a conclusion, the latest stages have seen the European Commission raise serious concerns over the membership application, but not enough to shut the door completely. The EU's serious concerns on the continued deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary have not been addressed. There was further backsliding in many areas, the Commission said.

The report went on to say: Under the current circumstances, Turkey's accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill. Defending the interests of Ankara, Turkey s Foreign Ministry said the report showed the double standard approach Turkey maintains in the strongest terms its strategic choice of full EU membership, said the Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. It added: It would be in everyone's interest if the EU, taking into account our common general interests, sees Turkey as a candidate country that is negotiating, not as a partner with whom to have daily give-take relations. What are the latest travel rules for Brits?

With the scope for Turkey becoming the most eastern edge of the European Union, the geopolitical importance of such a nation joining the EU has multiple strands. First and foremost, Turkey would be the first predominately Muslim country to join the Union. Secondly, Turkey plays a significant role in security issues, with the nation being a member of NATO, the relationship between Ankara, Brussels and Washington is one that is kept in a fine balance to avoid losing such a strategically placed asset. With conflict rife in the region, the third point of note is that Turkey could potentially become a bridge into Europe for people fleeing conflict and civil war in areas such as Syria and Iraq, who both enjoy borders with Turkey, as well as further afield including Yemen, Afghanistan and parts of North Africa.

But it appears to be Erdogan's humanitarian record that holds Turkey back from joining the EU. Since Erdogan's hardline response to an attempted coup in July 2016 the paths of EU and Turkey have diverged sharply, despite better diplomatic relations since the start of 2021. A purge of opponents launched in mid 2016 continues, the report said, noting broad-scale restrictions imposed on the activities of journalists, writers, lawyers, academics, human rights defenders and critical voices DON'T MISS:

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As the EU continues to struggle to maintain its grip over existing member states, the introduction and bidding of new members is something that appears to be a desperate grab for power by Brussels, which although the Commission claims are not their final choice, that is left to the remaining 27 members is something that will be used to embolden the EU s power across a geographical bridge that has yet to be crossed.