EU foreign policy chief says Turkey is still vital partner
(MENAFN) Türkiye continues to be a crucial partner for the European Union, engaging with the bloc on a range of shared concerns, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Speaking at a joint press event with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement to present the 2025 Enlargement Package, Kallas highlighted that EU enlargement remains both a “political priority” and a “geopolitical necessity,” particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"Türkiye remains a key partner with whom we are engaged on several issues of common interest, ... but the deterioration of democratic standards, judicial independence, and fundamental rights have de facto frozen the enlargement process since 2018," Kallas said.
She emphasized that enlargement is more than a technical procedure of screening, chapter negotiations, and reforms; it is a fundamental political choice. “Alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy is a fundamental part of the process, because it demonstrates a candidate country's choice to see the world the way we see it and shape it together with us,” Kallas explained.
The EU official underlined that strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and supporting independent media are essential not only for prosperity but also for national and European security. “Security is at the top of everybody's agenda,” she added, noting that the EU has already deepened defense and security cooperation with candidate countries.
The 2025 Enlargement Package assesses the progress of candidate and potential candidate nations. According to Kallas, Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine received “largely positive” evaluations, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Türkiye received “mixed” assessments, while Georgia received a “negative” rating.
“Enlargement is not a nice-to-have; it is a necessity if we want the EU to be a stronger global player,” Kallas said, stressing that the process will offer no shortcuts.
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