Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

EU Freezes Turkey's Accession Over Democratic Concerns

4/9/2025

32 3

Summary

Story summary

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has put Turkey's EU accession on hold, citing alarming democratic backsliding, notably the politically charged arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The committee stressed that Turkey must uphold democratic standards to qualify for EU membership, a requirement it currently falls short of, despite its strategic importance.

1 of 1

Story summary

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has put Turkey's EU accession on hold, citing alarming democratic backsliding, notably the politically charged arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The committee stressed that Turkey must uphold democratic standards to qualify for EU membership, a requirement it currently falls short of, despite its strategic importance.