The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing cooperation and a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, says the European Commission’s draft report on enlargement.

It is emphasized that Ankara needs to commit to good neighborly relations and the conclusions of the March 2021 Summit are recalled, while it is underlined that it must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member-states.

The text also points out that the accession negotiations with Turkey are still in deadlock. There is talk of regression in areas such as democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and the independence of the judicial system. 

Finally, it is noted that there are serious deficiencies in the operation of Turkey’s democratic institutions as well as that the deterioration of human and fundamental rights continues.

Also read: EU | Deployment of political mission in Armenia to demarcate border with Azerbaijan