President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has stated that his country may consider ending its association with the European Union following a recent report by the EU Parliament that declared Turkey’s EU accession process unlikely to continue under current circumstances, as reported by the state-run TRT news website on Saturday.

The EU Parliament report strongly criticized Turkey’s performance in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It cited issues including media censorship, judicial manipulation, and discrimination against minority groups.

In response, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the report, labeling it a compilation of “baseless accusations and biases.”

President Erdoğan addressed questions from reporters at the airport before departing for the United States, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

He stated, “If you want my assessment in very clear terms, the European Union is attempting to distance itself from Turkey. At this juncture, when the European Union is seeking to disengage from Turkey, we will evaluate the situation based on these developments. If necessary, we are prepared to part ways with the European Union,” in response to a query about the EU report.

Turkey and the EU initiated membership negotiations in 2005, but progress has stagnated in recent years.

To become EU members, countries must harmonize their legislation and laws in 35 policy areas, or negotiation chapters.

In 2018, EU leaders agreed not to open or close any new chapters in Turkey’s accession talks.

Source: with agencies