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Türkiye and the EU have been gridlocked in membership negotiations for over half a century, marked by fluctuating political standards and stalled talks.
“Imamoglu was detained before becoming a presidential candidate. You want to join the EU, but you arrest a leading opposition figure,” Nacho Sanchez Amor, European Parliament rapporteur on Türkiye, said at a press conference held at the EU Delegation in Türkiye.
His remarks have fueled criticism in Ankara, where officials and observers increasingly view such statements as politically motivated and inconsistent.
Amor made a similar warning in June 2022, declaring that a potential closure of the pro-Kurdish HDP would jeopardize Türkiye’s EU bid. These repeated interventions are widely seen in Türkiye as attempts to leverage domestic legal matters as tools of political pressure.
Amor highlighted that efforts toward a “terror-free Türkiye” would help democratic development and positively affect EU accession negotiations. He said, “Even though some tried to officially end the accession process during parliamentary report talks, those of us who believe ending it would harm the EU prevailed. Terror-free Türkiye is an ambitious and excellent initiative. It is widely agreed that this peace effort will expand democratic space in the country.”
He added, “Continuing accession depends on respecting democracy and shared values. Montenegro is not a major geopolitical or military power but is set to join the EU because it understands the accession process well.”
Amor stated that Imamoglu’s detention negatively affects accession talks. “Türkiye is a vital partner, especially in security. We had positive talks with Minister Simsek on the economy. Discussions are ongoing about energy, trade, and migration. However, legal certainty is another key issue. Investors avoid countries without an independent judiciary. Detaining businessmen is wrong and causes concern.”
He continued, “Measures taken on terrorism support revitalizing the accession process. But Imamoglu’s detention is currently the biggest barrier. This is a process; we don’t expect immediate changes. A reform package won’t change the country in a week. I come from Spain, where political violence is no longer a problem. There is hope. Although incomplete, steps have been taken and starting this process is excellent news. A peaceful, violence-free society will positively affect political stability and democracy.”
Amor expressed a wish to visit Imamoglu, saying, “I want to meet him at the municipality. We want the European Court of Human Rights decisions to be implemented. Steps must be taken to restart accession talks. We want prosecutors not to be used for political agendas, but recent developments suggest otherwise. Europe sees this clearly.”
He criticized the police operation at Imamoglu’s home: “Sending so many armed officers late at night is not normal. Maybe you have normalized it because you are involved. From the outside, it looks extreme. Trying a 14-year-old girl on terrorism charges is incomprehensible. This blocks the start and continuation of accession talks.”
He added, “The process is not dead but no progress is happening. Freedom and rights have worsened recently. Using laws as political tools is different. Even university rectors are appointed by the president. In my country, even ruling politicians face trial. Imamoglu was accused of terrorism and corruption on the same day. What happened to him has nothing to do with justice. The detention was unacceptable. Fifteen years ago, you were more inclusive. Returning to that is necessary to resume accession talks.”
Amor praised Türkiye’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis. “Your country did an excellent job with Syria. All international partners must play a role, but your government performed well. Syrian officials should be given a chance despite accountability for past actions. The EU and Türkiye cooperate on this. Removing sanctions alone is not enough. The new government must be given a chance. Real order and rebuilding are needed there.”
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