Turkey's Foreign Ministry Responds to EU Report: Rights of TRNC Ignored

The ministry criticized the report for reflecting "unrealistic, illegal, and maximalist views" of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, asserting that it "completely ignores the legitimate concerns and rightful policies of Turkey and the TRNC."

The statement highlighted that any future resolution to the Cyprus issue should be reached through mutual agreement between the two sides on the island. It noted that the EU's stance on the Cyprus issue primarily reflects the position of the Greek Cypriot side, disregarding the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, which does not contribute to the resolution efforts. The ministry reiterated that the EU does not have the authority to determine or make decisions regarding the borders of third countries.

"UNFAIR EVALUATIONS REJECTED"

The ministry's statement included the following points:

"The European Commission published the Country Reports prepared for all candidate and potential candidate countries, including Turkey, as part of the 2024 Enlargement Strategy Document on October 30.

We reject the unfair evaluations of the EU, particularly concerning political criteria and domestic political dynamics highlighted in the 2024 Turkey Report.

The report mentions the progress made in macroeconomic policies and emphasizes Turkey's advanced compliance with a functioning market economy and its capacity to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union.

The report confirms Turkey's efforts to align its legislation with EU acquis across various fields. With the revival of suspended structural dialogue mechanisms such as the Partnership Council and High-Level Dialogue Meetings in critical areas, it is possible to take joint steps in many fields.

The report highlights Turkey's constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean, its improved relations with Greece, and its enhanced cooperation with the EU on trade matters. In line with the constructive approach recorded in the report, we expect the removal of the political obstacles before Turkey-EU relations, which were implemented by the Council Conclusions dated July 15, 2019.

"TRNC RIGHTS IGNORED"

Additionally, the report reflects the unrealistic, illegal, and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, completely disregarding the legitimate concerns and rightful policies of Turkey and the TRNC.

"EU STATEMENTS IGNORE RIGHTS OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS"

We wish to emphasize that the format for resolving the Cyprus issue includes only the two parties on the island, the three guarantor powers, and the United Nations. Any future resolution must occur with the mutual agreement of both sides on the island. The EU's statements regarding the Cyprus issue, which unconditionally reflect the Greek Cypriot side's position and disregard the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, do not contribute to resolution efforts and clearly demonstrate why EU involvement in the process is not an appropriate option. We also remind that the EU has no authority to determine or make decisions regarding the borders of third countries.

Current regional and global challenges require a new perspective on Turkey-EU relations. We welcome the EU's recent efforts to collaborate with Turkey. However, revitalizing relations requires concrete steps based on the EU's political will and strategic vision.

As a candidate country, we reiterate that Turkey's political will to constructively develop its relations with the EU is clear and strong. The expected progress from Turkey in the EU accession process will accelerate with the EU's constructive and strategic approach to Turkey's candidacy status, implemented through concrete steps.

In this context, we expect the recommendations in the Joint Statement prepared by the European Commission and the High Representative to be implemented without delay or additional preconditions."