The European Commission’s report on Turkey, part of the EU’s 2026 enlargement package, has sparked a sharp reaction from Ankara. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Brussels of bias, primarily rejecting references to Greece, Cyprus, and the Turkey-Libya memorandum. Despite the fierce criticism, Ankara welcomed certain findings regarding the country’s economy and strategic role, while reiterating its demand for modernization of the Customs Union.
What the Commission reports on the Eastern Mediterranean
In its report, the European Commission highlights Turkey’s continued obstruction of research activities related to the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection, and reaffirms that Turkey’s 1995 casus belli remains in force. It also reiterates the EU’s position that the Turkey-Libya memorandum is invalid and produces no legal effects on third states. These specific references lie at the heart of Turkey’s reaction, with the Foreign Ministry arguing that the Commission’s assessments regarding the Eastern Mediterranean contradict international law and the principle of equitable treatment. Accordingly, Ankara dismisses the report’s observations on the Turkey-Libya memorandum as entirely lacking any legal basis.
Turkey’s accusations against the EU over Greece and Cyprus
According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the European Union has sided with Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, whose positions Ankara characterizes as maximalist, unrealistic and contrary to international law. The Turkish side argues that Brussels, as in previous years, disregards the rights, interests, and policies of Turkey and the unrecognized administration in northern Cyprus. On the Cyprus issue specifically, Ankara claims that the EU cannot contribute to resolution efforts as long as it unconditionally adopts the Greek Cypriot side’s positions. Turkey’s reaction is not limited to Eastern Mediterranean issues. The Foreign Ministry portrays the report as yet another indication of the EU’s biased and unjust stance toward the country. It rejects as unfounded the criticisms relating in particular to political criteria, the judiciary, and fundamental rights. It also accuses certain European officials of applying double standards, inconsistency, and a dismissive mentality.
Positive assessment of economic findings
Despite rejecting a significant portion of the report, the Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomes the Commission’s findings regarding the country’s progress in economic and monetary policy, the functioning of its market economy, and its ability to withstand competitive pressures within the EU. It also views positively the references to Turkey’s role in connectivity, supply and value chain resilience, as well as in defense and security. Drawing on the economic and trade data presented in the report, Ankara reiterates its demand for the modernization of the Customs Union with the European Union.
Full statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The report drafted by the European Commission regarding our country, within the framework of the ‘2026 Enlargement Package,’ once again reveals the European Union’s (EU) biased and unjust attitude toward our country. We reject the unfounded allegations contained in the report, particularly those concerning political criteria, as well as the areas of justice and fundamental rights. Such accusations reflect the double standards applied by certain EU officials, as well as their inconsistent and dismissive mentality.
As has been the case in recent years, we observe that the report defends the maximalist, unrealistic, and internationally unlawful positions of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, while once again ignoring the legitimate rights, interests, and justified policies of both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. On this occasion, we reiterate that it is impossible for the EU to contribute to efforts toward a solution, as long as it unconditionally adopts the Greek Cypriot side’s position on the Cyprus issue. The report’s assessments regarding the Eastern Mediterranean are entirely at odds with international law and the principle of equitable treatment (equity); furthermore, the observations regarding the Memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya are devoid of any legal basis.
On the other hand, we welcome the conclusions regarding the progress Turkey has achieved in the areas of economic and monetary policy, the existence of a well-functioning market economy, and our capacity to withstand competitive pressures within the Union. We also view positively the references to our country’s role in connectivity, supply and value chain resilience, as well as in the fields of defense and security. As reflected in the economic and trade data recorded in the report, we reiterate our justified and legitimate expectation regarding the modernization of the Customs Union. Turkey-EU relations should be shaped on the basis of common interests and a long-term vision, transcending narrow political calculations and unilateral approaches.
Within the framework of association law and the principle of *pacta sunt servanda* (the binding force of agreements), Turkey is ready to advance its relations on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and fairness. We expect the EU to demonstrate the strategic will required for our shared future, by translating the dialogue — which has intensified in recent times — into concrete decisions that strengthen the prospect of our EU membership.”
