The report of the European Parliament reinforces the Greek and Cypriot positions, provoking a furious reaction from Ankara and renewed tension in EU-Turkey relations.

In yet another episode of the ongoing confrontation between the European Union and Turkey, the recent report by the European Parliament on Ankara’s accession process sets out positions that are fully in line with the long-standing Greek and Cypriot claims, prompting a strong reaction from the Turkish side. References to Greek-Turkish relations, to the Cyprus issue, the rule of law, violations of member states’ sovereign rights, and Euro-Turkish relations were considered particularly offensive by Ankara, resulting in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs launching a fierce attack against the European Parliament. This development is interpreted by diplomatic circles as yet another European endorsement of the Greek and Cypriot positions, at a time when Turkey is attempting to redefine its relations with Brussels, while critical issues concerning the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, and its obligations toward the European Union.

In a harsh statement, which, however, is riddled with baseless allegations, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the European Parliament’s report on Turkey, referring to “ideological clichés” used by MEPs, as well as… providing “a safe haven for terrorist organizations”.

The rant

Ankara’s reaction came a few hours after the report was adopted, a report that sharply criticizes the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both on issues of the rule of law and civil liberties and on its stance toward Greece and Cyprus.

In its statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempts to portray the report as politically biased, accusing some MEPs of repeating “ideological clichés” and ignoring the Turkish side’s positions.

The Turkish Response

Particularly pointed is the reference to “safe havens for terrorist organizations,” with which the Turkish side attempts to link European criticism to issues of internal security and terrorism. This is a familiar rhetorical tactic of Turkish diplomacy, which often attributes European criticism of rights, freedoms, and the opposition to a one-sided or hostile interpretation of domestic developments.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s response notes the following:

The report contains assessments based on unfounded allegations and misinformation from circles hostile to our country, and they do not correspond to the facts.

It is evident that it was drafted as part of a deliberate political agenda that reflects the ideological clichés of certain members of the European Parliament.

It is clear that the report aims to overshadow the current positive agenda, at a time when the strategic importance of Turkey-EU relations is growing ever more.

This approach, which provides a platform for terrorist organizations and circles hostile to Turkey, demonstrates once again how far the European Parliament is from presenting a strategic vision for the future of Turkey-EU relations.

We categorically and in the strongest possible terms reject the targeting of our esteemed Minister of Justice with baseless accusations, through the distortion of legal proceedings conducted by the independent Turkish judiciary.

The Turkish judiciary does not accept any interference from any international institution, external actor, or political circle.

Turkey Reprimanded Over “Blue Homeland,” 12 miles and a casus belli

It should be noted that the European Parliament approved the annual report on Turkey by a large majority, which notes that Ankara’s distance from the European Union’s principles, values, and strategic interests is widening. The report was approved by 381 votes in favor, with 107 votes against and 171 abstentions.

At the same time, the report expresses concern over the maintenance of the casus belli against Greece, while criticism is also directed at the ongoing violation of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus.

The text, drafted by Spanish Socialist MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor, points out that Turkey’s accession talks with the EU have remained “frozen since 2018” due to problems in the area of the rule of law.

The report notes that, due to the “lack of progress” as well as the “backsliding of democracy” in Turkey, “Turkey’s EU accession process cannot be restarted under the current circumstances.”

Particular mention is made of human rights and the rule of law, with the European Parliament describing the situation as “dire” and noting a continuing “democratic backsliding.” At the same time, the report notes that legislative provisions and measures continue to be implemented which, according to the report, undermine the rule of law and fundamental rights.

For the first time, the EP report strongly criticizes the silence of other EU institutions and many EU member states in the face of the erosion of the rule of law in Turkey, calling on them to be “more vocal” on this issue.

At the same time, the European Parliament urges the Turkish government, the EU institutions, and the EU member states to continue working—beyond the frozen accession process—toward a “closer, more dynamic, and strategic partnership.” The report examines EU-Turkey relations beyond the accession process in areas of mutual interest, reiterating its call for the resumption of all relevant high-level dialogues to address common challenges, such as the modernization of the customs union. It also emphasizes the importance of Turkey’s compliance with the outstanding evaluation criteria for the resumption of the visa liberalization process.

Regional Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations

The European Parliament expresses its support for the Greece-Turkey, such as the Mitsotakis-Erdoğan summit in February 2026, as a step toward de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, the EP reiterates its call on Turkey to adopt a “constructive rather than assertive or aggressive approach” in the region. It criticizes Turkey’s promotion of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, expresses deep concern over the maintenance of the casus belli against Greece, which it characterizes as incompatible with the principles of allies and good neighbors, and condemns the ongoing violation of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, it refers to Greece’s right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles.

Special mention is made of violations of Greek airspace, the “political instrumentalization” of the NAVTEX system, interference in projects of common European interest such as the Great Sea Interconnector and EastMed, reactions to the Greek marine park in the Aegean, and the increase in illegal fishing activities by Turkish vessels within Greek territorial waters. The European Parliament once again calls on Ankara to fully respect the sovereignty of Member States, including their right to delimit EEZs in accordance with international law and UNCLOS, while reiterating that the Turkish-Libyan memorandum “violates the sovereign rights of third states, is inconsistent with the Law of the Sea, and cannot produce legal effects for third countries.”

The EP emphasizes the need to comply with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, particularly with regard to minorities, such as the Greek Orthodox population of Imbros and Tenedos, as well as respect for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with recognition of its legal personality and the title of Ecumenical Patriarch. They express deep concern over the lack of protection for World Heritage sites, such as Hagia Sophia and the Monastery of Panagia Soumela, as well as acts of vandalism against minority places of worship, calling for the immediate implementation of UNESCO’s decisions.

Security and Defense

On security and defense issues, the report underscores Turkey’s strategic and geopolitical importance to the EU and NATO, recognizing its growing role in regions critical to European security, such as the Black Sea, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, as well as its contribution to EU crisis management missions. The EP supports further strengthening practical EU-Turkey cooperation on security and defense issues where there are common strategic interests, but expresses concern over Ankara’s continued obstruction of EU-NATO cooperation by Ankara through the exclusion of an EU Member State, and calls on Turkey to abandon this practice.

At the same time, the report notes a further deterioration in Turkey’s alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which fell from 6% in 2024 to 4% in 2025, the lowest level ever recorded. While welcoming the intensification of political dialogue and Turkey’s participation in EU missions, the EP expresses concern over the Turkish authorities’ increasingly anti-Western stance and calls on Ankara to remove obstacles that undermine trust among allies, such as maintaining a casus belli against an EU Member State, challenging the sovereignty of other states, and retaining the Russian S-400 air defense system. Furthermore, it expresses serious concern over Turkey’s rapprochement with the BRICS+ and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, emphasizing that full membership in BRICS+ would be fundamentally incompatible with its path toward EU accession.

Despite the above reservations, the EP considers that, in light of geopolitical developments, “the possibilities for cooperation with Turkey within the framework of current and future EU policies in the field of security and defense should be explored.” At the same time, however, it calls on Ankara “to remove the serious obstacles that undermine trust among partners and allies.”

Cyprus

The EP reaffirms its long-standing position that the only solution to the Cyprus problem is a fair, comprehensive, sustainable, and democratic settlement, within the agreed framework of the United Nations, based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship, and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, in the agreed areas of convergence, and within the framework of the UN Secretary-General, as well as in accordance with international law and the principles and values of the EU. It welcomes recent initiatives to resume negotiations, including informal meetings under the auspices of the UN in 2025–2026, as well as confidence-building measures between the two communities. At the same time, it condemns Turkey’s unilateral actions, such as the illegal settlement of residents in Varosia and the seizure of Greek Cypriot properties, while calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island and respect for the Green Line. Finally, it emphasizes that the prospect of closer EU – Turkey depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and Ankara’s constructive contribution to the resolution of the Cyprus problem, including demilitarization and the protection of human rights.

The report’s rapporteur, Nacho Sánchez Amor, stated that “Turkey’s EU accession process cannot be restarted under the current circumstances.” He emphasized that for the past 10 years “we have been waiting for good news” from Turkey, yet there has been a “complete lack of will” to comply with European principles. He emphasized that “Turkey is now a truly authoritarian country” and asked “what business an authoritarian country could possibly have in the EU,” while noting that there is a civil society that desires democracy, not authoritarianism. He stressed that “we do not want to destroy their last hope,” but that the rule of law and human rights are prerequisites for EU membership.

He added that it is necessary to build a functional framework for coexistence with Turkey; however, in this effort, Greece and Cyprus are critical and integral pillars of the relationship. As he said, security and defense issues remain pivotal; however, it is clear that serious trust deficits and deviations from the principles of good neighborliness still exist, which must be addressed in a substantive manner.