It is clear that her level of alignment Turkey with EU foreign policy is very low, EU High Representative Josep Borrell stressed, noting that it is still decreasing. Asked about it, he added that there are areas where progress has not been madeespecially with regard to the protection of fundamental rights but also elsewhere. As he said, however, there are areas such as trade in which the report recognizes Ankara’s efforts.

The High Representative also mentioned that the leaders of the EU member states reiterated in April 2024 the interest of European Union to develop a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, strategically, politically and economically. At the same time, he expressed the hope that Ankara will actively support the negotiations for a fair, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue within the framework of the United Nations, which cannot be resolved without the participation of Turkey. “This is another reason to continue working with Turkey despite the low rates of alignment with our foreign policy,” concluded Joseph Borel.