EU says Turkey rights crackdown hurts membership bid

The European Union said Friday that rights and democracy concerns in Turkey are widening the gap between Ankara and its long-stalled goal of joining the bloc.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in Edirne, northwestern Turkey, that the EU had “serious concerns” about democratic standards.

“Our concerns about democratic standards remain,” Kos said. “The latest developments affecting media freedom, the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and local democracy are widening the gap with Turkey’s objective of joining the EU.”

Kos said the EU’s upcoming enlargement report, due on October 28, would reflect those concerns, adding that she would state the facts “publicly and clearly.”

Rights groups have repeatedly accused Turkey of backsliding on democratic rights, citing pressure on independent media, the prosecution of journalists and opposition politicians, and growing restrictions on civil liberties. Turkey’s LGBTQ community has also faced increasing pressure, with authorities recently detaining scores of people, including activists.

Ankara says its policies are aimed at protecting family values and public order.

Turkey, a NATO member, has been an EU candidate country since 1999 and opened accession talks in 2005. The process has been effectively stalled for years over EU concerns about democratic backsliding, the rule of law and fundamental rights.