The chances of Turkey joining the European Union in the future do not look very good, at least based on the most recent assessment by the General Affairs Council.
“The Council notes with regret that Turkey continues to move further away from the EU,” according to its conclusions released on Tuesday.
Turkey’s accession negotiations are practically “stagnant” and “no new chapters can be considered for opening or closing”, the text added, which essentially address the Council’s literal previous findings.
The 27 in particular criticize Turkey’s foreign policy, which they see as increasingly at odds with their priorities.
For example, they refer to Libya, where government troops allegedly illegally received weapons, ammunition and support from the Turkish armed forces.
The document also alleges violations by Ankara of the framework of the customs union agreements with the EU.
In addition, the Council reiterates its “serious concern about further and deeply worrying setbacks in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression”, and “the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary”. .
The process of Turkey’s accession to the EU, which began in 2005, has been going nowhere for many years, due to the country’s policy on various issues, which does not satisfy Brussels.
One of the reasons they have not stopped is the importance given to Turkey in curbing migratory flows to Western Europe.
Turkey continues to benefit from EU financial assistance and further funding for refugees and host communities will be secured, according to the document.
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