The European Commission calls on Turkey to reaffirm its commitment to the UN-sponsored Cyprus settlement talks, while noting in its annual progress report that unilateral actions that could increase tensions on the island and hinder the resumption of talks should be avoided. It also reiterates that the EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions and EU principles.
The European Commission’s Annual Report on Turkey was published after its approval by the College of Commissioners on Tuesday. The report covers the period from September 2024 to September 2025, depicting a picture of minor improvements in certain economic and technical areas, but it highlights the ongoing backsliding in democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
Commissioner for Enlargement, Márta Kos, stated while presenting the annual reports of the candidate countries to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs in Brussels that “Trkiye is a key partner, sharing the same strategic interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea region, where we cooperate within the framework of the cross-regional connectivity agenda. At the same time, the continued deterioration of democratic standards, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and respect for fundamental rights remains a matter of serious concern. Accession negotiations have been at a standstill since 2018.”
The EU expects Turkey to commit to good neighbourly relations and the peaceful resolution of disputes, including recourse to the International Court of Justice if necessary. “Trkiye must: (i) avoid threats and actions that harm good neighbourly relations; (ii) normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; and (iii) respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial waters and airspace, as well as all their sovereign rights, including the right to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with EU and international law, particularly UNCLOS,” the report states.
On Cyprus issue, the report emphasises that “Trkiye continued to refuse to recognise and cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus. Despite repeated calls by the European Council and the Commission, Trkiye has yet to fulfil its obligations as outlined in the Declaration of the European Community and its Member States of 21 September 2005 and in Council Conclusions, including those of December 2006 and December 2015. Trkiye did not fulfil its obligation to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and did not remove all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on direct transport links with the Republic of Cyprus.”
Additionally, Turkey continued its military exercises in Cyprus’ maritime zones, harassed Cypriot fishing vessels, and violated Cypriot airspace. The report notes that “the military exercises of Trkiye in the maritime zones of Cyprus continued. The flights of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles in the Flight Information Region (FIR) and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus also continued unabated. Trkiye continued to upgrade its military drone base in Lefkoniko and its naval base in Bogazi. The harassment of Cypriot fishing vessels and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities by Trkiye continued to be reported.”
On Cyprus settlement talks, the report highlights that “Trkiye continued to advocate for a two-state solution in Cyprus, contrary to relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, stating that any process seeking a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation would not be successful. The internationally unrecognised ‘trnc’ has participated as an observer in the Organisation of Turkic States since 2022. The European Union recognises only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and has stressed that any action that facilitates or assists in any way the international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity seriously undermines efforts to prepare for formal negotiations under the auspices of the UN.”
It is also mentioned that it is crucial for Turkey to reaffirm its commitment to the Cyprus settlement talks under the auspices of the UN, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including their external aspects. No unilateral actions that could increase tensions on the island and hinder the resumption of talks should be taken. Regarding Varosha, the report states that “Trkiye must immediately reverse the unilateral actions announced on 20 July 2021 and all steps taken since October 2020 that are contrary to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The EU underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and calls for full respect of the UN Security Council Resolutions (in particular Resolutions 550, 789, and 1251).”
Regarding the situation in Famagusta, it is noted that “despite international condemnations and the inadmissibility of the settlement of any part of Varosha by persons other than its inhabitants, as provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984), Trkiye did not reverse its actions to open the entire fenced-off area of Varosha, thereby further entrenching the fait accompli on the ground.” It is also noted that the restrictions imposed on UNFICYP within the fenced-off area of Varosha remain in effect, challenging the peacekeeping force’s ability to carry out its mandate.
The European Union reiterates its call for Turkey to respect international law and cooperate for a fair solution to the Cyprus issue. The report states that “the EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and its acquis. The EU has expressed, most recently in the conclusions of the European Council of December 2024, its readiness to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal.”
The report also addresses broader concerns regarding Turkey’s democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights situation. In the realm of democracy, it says that the electoral framework, while ensuring free choice among political alternatives, fails to provide a level playing field for all stakeholders. Opposition politicians continue to face significant judicial pressure, which stifles political competition and undermines fundamental democratic principles. The judiciary, it goes on, remains under the influence of the executive branch, leading to selective targeting of opposition figures and a lack of full implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments.
Civil society in Turkey operates within a restrictive environment, facing persistent judicial and administrative pressures that hinder its ability to function effectively, as per the report. Freedom of expression has experienced backsliding due to increased censorship, the introduction of disinformation laws, and mounting pressure on independent media outlets. Minority groups, including Kurds, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and religious minorities, continue to face discrimination and hate crimes, while gender equality policies have weakened, particularly following Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, it is added.
On economical terms, Turkey maintains an advanced market economy but grapples with challenges such as high inflation, currency instability, and reliance on external borrowing. Although unemployment has seen a slight decline, gender inequality in the labor market persists, and the informal economy remains a significant issue. Corruption and a lack of transparency in public contracts further undermine economic stability.
On migration and refugees, it is noted that Turkey hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with 2.5 million Syrians under temporary protection. However, access to healthcare and education for refugees remains limited. Despite EU calls, the return of irregular migrants from the Greek islands has not resumed, highlighting ongoing challenges in migration management.