EU Enlargement Package: Turkey Faces Democratic Backsliding and Membership Stagnation

The European Commission presented its 2026 Enlargement Package, covering Turkey, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova. Commissioner Marta Kos announced the assessments during a briefing on November 4, 2026.

The report positively evaluated Turkey's strategic location, its contribution to European security, its international mediation role, and its advanced market economy. It also recognized Turkey's contribution to the resilience of EU supply chains.

However, the Commission identified problems in democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and judicial independence. Commissioner Kos stated that the gap between Turkey's membership goal and the accession criteria has widened, leaving negotiations stalled since 2018.

Trade volume between Turkey and the EU reached 210 billion euros. Kos noted that some European companies are openly interested in updating the Customs Union, adding that Turkey remains a strategic partner, particularly as NATO's second strongest member.

The Commission also addressed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, calling on Turkey to respect international law, good neighborly relations, and the sovereignty of EU member states. Brussels emphasized the importance of restarting Cyprus negotiations.

Euronews reported that Turkey, Georgia, and Serbia show the lowest alignment levels with EU foreign policy and democratic standards. Turkey is the only candidate country rated as having very low foreign policy alignment, with clear signs of democratic backsliding.

An unnamed senior EU official said the Common Security and Defence Policy is becoming an increasingly important dimension of the accession process, especially under current conditions. The EU is seeking to deepen cooperation with candidate countries on defence, border management, cyber security, and critical infrastructure protection.