Turkey Rejects EU's Critical 2025 Progress Report on Judiciary and Human Rights

Ankara, Turkey – Turkey has vehemently rejected the European Union's 2025 annual progress report, describing its findings on the country's judiciary, human rights record, and democratic standards as 'biased, prejudiced, and baseless.' The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on November 4, 2025, asserting that the report's tone and approach were 'incompatible with efforts to build a positive agenda between Türkiye and the European Union' and ran 'counter to the long-term interests of both sides.'

EU's Critical Assessment

The European Commission's latest report, released on November 4, 2025, delivered a critical assessment, reiterating the EU's serious concerns regarding the continued deterioration of democratic standards, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and respect for fundamental rights in Turkey. Key criticisms highlighted in the report include:

• Judicial Independence: The judiciary is considered to be under the control of the executive, compromising its independence and the quality of judicial outcomes.
• Human Rights: The report noted a further deterioration in the human rights situation, pointing to the continued imprisonment of journalists, human rights defenders, opposition politicians, and lawyers under broadly interpreted counter-terrorism laws.
• Democratic Standards: Concerns were raised about the weakening of democratic institutions, the lack of checks and balances in the presidential system, and the diminished legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament.
• Civil Society: Restrictions on civil society organizations, including intense pressure, limited funding, and frequent audits, were also criticized.
• ECtHR Rulings: Turkey's continued refusal to comply with binding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) was a significant point of concern.

The report also touched upon Turkey's foreign policy, noting concerns about its stances on Hamas and Russia, and its ongoing refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey's Rebuttal and Counter-Arguments

In its official response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry categorically rejected the report's conclusions, calling them 'politically motivated.' Ankara accused Brussels of adopting 'maximalist and unlawful Greek and Greek Cypriot positions,' arguing that the report 'ignores Ankara's legitimate concerns' and is 'inconsistent with efforts to build a positive EU–Turkey agenda.'

Despite the strong criticisms, Turkey's statement also highlighted positive acknowledgments within the report. The ministry noted the report's recognition of Turkey's progress in macroeconomic policies, its advanced market economy, and its ability to manage competitive pressures within the EU. Turkey also welcomed the report's mention of its constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean and improved relations with Greece. The Turkish Foreign Ministry called for a 'fresh perspective' on EU relations and urged the lifting of longstanding political barriers to foster a more constructive engagement.

Stalled Accession Process

Turkey remains a candidate country for EU membership, a status it has held since 1999. However, accession negotiations have been at a standstill since 2018, primarily due to what the EU describes as a continuous backsliding in democratic standards, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. The latest report underscores that the accession process cannot proceed under current circumstances. Despite these challenges, Turkey has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to EU membership, emphasizing that a stronger, institutionalized, and trust-based cooperation would benefit both sides and the broader region.