Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the European Union’s latest annual progress report on Turkey’s EU accession, calling it “biased and unfounded” and accusing Brussels of siding with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus on issues related to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus dispute.
In a statement, Ankara said the report “repeats the legally unfounded and maximalist positions of Greece and Greek Cypriots, disregarding Turkey’s legitimate concerns and those of the Turkish Cypriot community.” The ministry argued that such an approach undermines the EU’s ability to act as an objective mediator in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue and hampers prospects for a fair and lasting solution.
Despite its criticism, Turkey welcomed positive references in the report regarding its economy, stable macroeconomic policies, and improvements in its relations with Greece and the EU. Ankara also reiterated its longstanding call for the EU to lift restrictive measures imposed in 2019, urging Brussels to act on the basis of mutual trust and good faith.
The statement accentuated Turkey’s desire to participate actively in EU security and defense initiatives and stressed its role as a strategic partner for stability in Europe and the wider region. Ankara emphasized that it seeks “institutionalized and mutually trusting cooperation” with the EU and expects a constructive response from Brussels.