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Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday dismissed the European Commission’s 2025 country report on Türkiye, describing its assessments on judicial independence, fundamental rights, and domestic politics as "biased, prejudiced, and baseless."
In a written statement released Tuesday, the ministry said the report’s tone and approach were "incompatible with efforts to build a positive agenda between Türkiye and the European Union" and "contrary to the long-term interests of both sides."
"These comments contradict the mutual efforts toward a constructive agenda and run counter to the long-term interests of both parties," it said.
The ministry's statement stated that the report’s acknowledgment of Türkiye’s "high level of alignment with a functioning market economy" and "sound macroeconomic policies" were considered accurate and positive findings.
The ministry also welcomed the report’s reference to Türkiye’s constructive stance in the Eastern Mediterranean, the improvement of relations with Greece, and growing dialogue with the EU. "In light of these positive developments, we reiterate our legitimate expectation that the Council of the EU immediately repeal its decision of July 15, 2019, which continues to impede relations," the statement read.
The ministry emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s inclusion in the EU’s defense and security initiatives and programs, highlighting that the report itself recognized Türkiye’s "active and multi-layered foreign policy vision," efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, and constructive regional role.
"The fact that the report underlines Türkiye’s strategic importance for the EU in the face of regional and global challenges, as well as shared responsibilities in common areas of interest, is meaningful," it said.
The ministry criticized the report for "repeating the Greek and Greek Cypriot maximalist claims that are detached from reality and international law," while ignoring the legitimate concerns of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
"This once again proves that the EU remains partial on the Cyprus issue and cannot contribute to a settlement," the statement noted.
Ankara reiterated that the EU must act "in accordance with the principle of pacta sunt servanda (good faith in agreements), avoid rhetoric and policies that trap relations in bilateral disputes, and adopt a fair and constructive approach that strengthens Türkiye’s EU perspective."
Türkiye reaffirmed its commitment to developing "a stronger, institutionalized, and trust-based cooperation" with the EU, adding that such a partnership would benefit not only Türkiye and Europe but also the broader region.
"Our country continues its efforts with this vision and determination, and expects the EU to demonstrate the same strategic will and constructive attitude," the statement concluded.
Earlier Tuesday, the European Commission unveiled its 2025 Enlargement Package, reaffirming Türkiye’s status as a candidate country and key strategic partner while calling for closer alignment with EU democratic and rule-of-law standards.
The package — presented by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos — covered Türkiye, Ukraine, Moldova, and several Western Balkan states. Kos said the findings should be read against shifting global dynamics, describing Türkiye as a “candidate country and crucial partner” that shares the EU’s strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
However, the Commission noted that Türkiye’s accession talks have remained frozen since 2018 due to concerns over democratic backsliding, judicial independence, and fundamental rights.
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The report said Türkiye had advanced in building a functioning market economy, supported by a tight monetary stance that helped moderate inflation and stabilize external balances. Fiscal consolidation benefited from reduced post-earthquake spending, while the banking sector remained stable.
The Commission praised Türkiye’s institutional capacity for EU integration and progress in trade, energy, climate, and migration cooperation. It cited Türkiye’s continued hosting of 2.7 million Syrian refugees and a sharp drop in irregular migration to EU countries in early 2025.
Türkiye’s mediation between Russia and Ukraine and its adherence to the Montreux Convention were recognized, alongside its growing diplomatic role in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caucasus — including the 2024 Ankara Declaration signed by Somalia and Ethiopia.
The report also highlighted Türkiye’s contributions to EU and NATO missions, noting it remains the largest non-EU troop contributor to the EU’s Althea operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While acknowledging Türkiye’s geopolitical importance, the EU reiterated that progress toward full membership remains contingent on democratic reforms and judicial independence, with cooperation to continue on a “gradual, proportionate, and reversible” basis.
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