### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; ### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; notes that in spite of turkey’s repeated declarations on the objective of eu accession , the country lacks credible commitment in carrying out the necessary reforms; stresses that , over the past two years , we have witnessed a constant backsliding in regard to turkey’s commitments in relation to the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; notes that , in recent months , some positive developments have appeared and the government of turkey adopted a more cooperative attitude , but much more still needs to be done and in a more convincing manner; encourages both sides to review their current relationship throughout a comprehensive high-level dialogue and to explore a new special partnership for the future;


### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; ### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; notes that , in addition to this , unilateral actions in breach of international law in the eastern mediterranean and the aegean sea as well as strong and provocative statements against the eu and its member states have deteriorated eu-turkey relations; considers that without clear progress in these fields , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018;


### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; ### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations and insists on the termination of accession negotiations with turkey;


### 1. reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the eu and turkey , despite it being a candidate country , in terms of values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field , parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with turkey , which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; ### 1. reiterates its utmost concern about president erdogan's continuous efforts to distance turkey from the eu , his aversion of contemporary values and standards , and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address , in particular , the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; is therefore of the opinion that the road towards accession of turkey to the eu is a dead end street and any efforts in that regard should be abandoned;


### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; ### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; whereas if this report is to assess turkey’s progress or lack of progress in terms of human rights and rule of law , as the core of the accession process , it is important to describe the concrete mechanisms of erosion of freedoms that , taken together , lead to this general backsliding with regard to european standards; whereas this approach means going beyond a long list of citizens and groups who are suffering as a result of these decisions to identifying the operators and bodies of the public authorities responsible of this worrying situation in their particular area of action; whereas generic criticism must be replaced by targeted criticism; notes that , while accession talks remain at a standstill , turkey updated its national action plan for the eu accession (nap) to cover the years 2021-2023; further notes progress made by turkey in closer alignment with the eu acquis in areas such as competition legislation , the national qualifications system as well as in further aligning with the european research area (era) and a related better performance of turkey in horizon 2020;


### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; ### 2. notes that good neighbourly relations form an essential part of moving towards the eu; notes that bilateral relations remained challenging with neighbouring eu member states , particularly greece and cyprus; notes that tensions in the aegean sea and the eastern mediterranean were not conducive to good neighbourly relations and undermined regional stability and security; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic;


### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; ### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year , notably with the easing of tensions in the eastern mediterranean , in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; welcomes the high level dialogues on migration , security and climate as a positive development in this direction;


### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; ### 2. notes , however , that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall eu-turkey relations , which have on average remained stable , as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular tensions; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic;


### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; ### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; believes that , if conditions allow , dialogue with turkish authorities and counterparts at all levels should be further reinforced as a means to contribute to the rebuilding of trust and diminish the possibilities of future confrontations , inline with the european council’s position to engage with turkey in a phased , proportionate and reversible manner;


### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; ### 3. reiterates its conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , with which the eu wishes to pursue stable relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions;


### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; ### 3. reiterates the european union’s strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the eastern mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with turkey; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions;


### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; ### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and a nato ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions;


### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; ### 3. reiterates its firm conviction that turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political , economic and foreign policy terms , a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region , and an ally with which the eu wishes to pursue the best possible relations; notes , in this view , the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the turkish authorities about the recommitment of the turkish government to the eu path , but urges the turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions;


### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; ### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; notes that while the current situation has been developing over a number of years , it has turned into a currency crisis in recent months , which exacerbates existing pandemic-related impacts in the economy; is concerned by the lack of confidence on purportedly independent bodies such as the central bank and the turkish statistical institute (tüik); notes in this regard that the operational independence of both institutions is a key criteria for eu accession; further highlights that the poor performance of turkey with regard to the respect to the rule of law has also a severe impact on the reputational image of the country and that the lack of legal certainty has the potential to seriously affect the ability of the country to attract foreign investments;


### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; ### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; believes that a stronger and more honest relationship with the eu would help with alleviating some of the hardships and assist with the improvement of living standards for the turkish population;


### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; ### 4. expresses concern over the current economic situation in turkey , which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty as reflected in the oecd 2021 report on turkey;


### 5. deplores the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in turkey , including backsliding on fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law; considers that the current repressive form of rule , whose main pillars are abuse of the legal framework and a lack of independence of the judiciary , is a deliberate , relentless and systematic state policy developed to suppress any critical activities either-directly or through a chilling effect; is appalled by the fact that in order to pursue this policy , the turkish state authorities are ready to blatantly and persistently disregard their international and domestic legal obligations , such as those derived from turkey’s membership of the council of europe; ### 5. deplores the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in turkey , including backsliding on fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law; considers that the current repressive form of rule , whose main pillars are abuse of the legal framework particularly in relation with terrorism and freedom of expression and a lack of independence of the judiciary , is a deliberate , relentless and systematic state policy developed to suppress any critical activities either-directly or through a chilling effect; is appalled by the fact that in order to pursue this policy , the turkish state authorities are ready to blatantly and persistently disregard their international and domestic legal obligations , such as those derived from turkey’s membership of the council of europe;


### 5. deplores the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in turkey , including backsliding on fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law; considers that the current repressive form of rule , whose main pillars are abuse of the legal framework and a lack of independence of the judiciary , is a deliberate , relentless and systematic state policy developed to suppress any critical activities either-directly or through a chilling effect; is appalled by the fact that in order to pursue this policy , the turkish state authorities are ready to blatantly and persistently disregard their international and domestic legal obligations , such as those derived from turkey’s membership of the council of europe; ### 5. deplores the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in turkey , including backsliding on fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law; considers that the current repressive form of rule , whose main pillars are abuse of the legal framework and a lack of independence of the judiciary , is a deliberate , relentless and systematic government policy developed to suppress any critical activities either-directly or through a chilling effect; is appalled by the fact that in order to pursue this policy , the turkish state authorities are ready to blatantly and persistently disregard their international and domestic legal obligations , such as those derived from turkey’s membership of the council of europe;


### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey; ### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey; considers that the adoption on march 2021 of an action plan on human rights shows a willingness to improve the overall situation of fundamental rights in turkey; notes nevertheless that the commitment of the government will be measured by the extent of its implementation and the reforms undertaken to ensure its application to all citizens without discrimination;


### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey; ### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey;


### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey; ### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains one of the main obstacles to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey;


### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention); ### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention); calls on turkey to reverse this decision and to implement a zero-tolerance policy on violence against women;


### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention); ### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention) and calls on the government of turkey to reverse this decision;


### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; ### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; is deeply worried by the routine use and continued extension of bans on protests and demonstration by provincial governors , and particularly by the ban by governor mehmet emin bilmez that has been in placefor over five years in van province; deplores the targeting of journalists at public protests by turkish police forces including through the april 2021directive by turkey’s security general directorate (egm) signed by its head , former governor mehmet aktaş , instructing turkish police forces to prevent press recordings of protests and demonstrations that was subsequently suspendedby the council of state citing a restriction of fundamental rights; regrets the recurrent use of excessive force to suppress peaceful demonstrations amidst an overall general impunity of law enforcement officials; deplores the ongoing trial against the cumartesi anneleri (saturday mothers) at the istanbul 21st criminal court of first instance presided by judge naim atan in relation to the violentdispersal of their 700th vigil on 25 august 2018; reiterates its call on the authorities to drop charges against the students of boğaziçi university prosecuted for exercising their right to peaceful assembly , and highlights the relevance of ensuring academic freedom and the autonomy of universities; is concerned in this regard by the recent decision to remove three elected deansin boğaziçi university , whose current rector , naci i̇nci , was appointed by presidential decree in august 2021;


### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; ### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; regrets the serious backsliding in this area in light of recurrent bans , excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators , administrative fines and prosecutions against demonstrators on charges of terrorism-related activities;


### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; ### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution and a positive obligation derived from its membership of the european convention of human rights;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; notes however that the practice of investigating and prosecuting people for matters such as insulting the president or allegedly disrespecting islamic values remains on the rise , driven by broadly-worded and vague anti-terrorism claims; is appalled by the gross abuse of article 299 of turkish penal code on insulting the president which can carry a jail sentenceof between one and four years; finds completely disproportionate that since2014 , the first year of president erdoğan , more than 160 ,000 investigations were launched , more than 35 ,500 cases were filed and there were more than12 ,800 convictions over insulting the president; calls on turkey’s authorities to apply the rulings by the european court on human rights and to follow the venice commission recommendations in order to bring turkish law on this matter in line with the convention; is particularly worried by the case of journalist sedef kabaş , who after being publicly targeted by senior government officials was arrested during a midnight raid on january 22nd , by the order of istanbul 10th criminal court of peace judge furkan bilgehan ertem , and is kept in pre-trial detention at the bakırköy women's prison in i̇stanbul for having allegedly insulted the president on a live broadcast on tele1 tv on 14 january2022; finds this case a clear example of the abusive use of article 299 with an aim of having a chilling effect on any journalist or citizen who could express criticism towards the president or government; expresses concerns about the presidential circular on "press and broadcasting activities" published on 28 january 2022 as it could imply unlawful restrictions to fundamental rights and freedoms;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; calls on the turkish authorities to allow civil society organisations , ngos , lawyers and legal representatives , and the press to function in accordance with their duties and within their remit and scope and to exercise their profession freely , as this provides for an overall healthier democracy and society;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey and demands that the turkish government releases all remaining journalists and political prisoners;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the continued backsliding of freedom of expression; expresses concern about the continuing of criminal cases against journalists , human rights defenders , lawyers , writers and academics in turkey;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; notes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey;


### 10. asserts that the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern; ### 10. asserts that the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern , which needs to be addressed without delay , as it is degrading the democratic fibre of the turkish society; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; which contain steps in the right direction although modest and not addressing the main concerns; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; notes in this regard the appointment of irfan fidan to the turkish constitutional court in january 2021 after serving just twenty days on the court of cassation and previously acting as istanbul chief public prosecutor , where mr fidan was involved in the controversial cases brought against osman kavala , the gezi park protestors , and journalists can dündar and erdem gül , among others; points out the council of judges and prosecutors (hsk) , which isled by the minister of justice as its president and mr mehmet akif ekinci as its acting president , as the main element of concern with regard to the lack of judicial independence; reiterates its call for the shortcomings in the structure and process for the selection of the members of this council to be addressed with a view to ensuring its independence and putting an end to its arbitrary decisions;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; stresses that this is an area of highest concern to us , as it represents the keystone of a functioning democratic system that works in the service and for the benefit of the population;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence and impartiality in turkey; regrets that public statements by executives about ongoing judicial cases , undermine the judicial independence and impartiality even further;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a lack of political will to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey;


### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; ### 13. regrets the sustained harassment of civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; notes the grave impediment on their freedom to associate peacefully through the law on preventing financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; is concerned by the observations from the council of europe’s commissioner for human rights and parliamentary assembly , who point that human rights organisations were the first to be audited pursuant to this law; urges turkey to review the articles of the law which are not related to the prevention of financing or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction , in particular those articles which unduly target civil society;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; believes that he is unlawfully held in prison on unjustified charges , for the purpose of silencing and deterring critical voices in turkey; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ; deplores the continued efforts to extend mr kavala’s imprisonment through a series of complex evasive judicial tactics; points out as one of many irregularities the irrational merging of his case with that of other defendants that saw their acquittals overturned over the course of 2021 which was signed off by the same judge who had requested it , mahmut başbuğ from the 30th heavy penal court , through a temporary appointment from one court to the other; condemns the repeated decisions by the istanbul 30th heavy penal court and the istanbul 13th heavy penal court , newly responsible after merging of the cases and presided by judge mesut özdemir , to prolong the detention of mr kavala in violation of his right to freedom and security , most recently on 17 january 2022; takes note of the recurrent decisions by the committee of ministers of the council of europe urging mr kavala’s release , which culminated in the historical launching of infringement proceedings through interim-resolutions in december 2021 and february 2022 over turkey’s refusal to abide by the ecthr’s final judgement;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; welcomes the decision of the committee of ministers of the council of europe to start an infringement procedure against turkey due to its refusal to implement the decision of the ecthr;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case and highlights the council of europe's decision to launch infringement proceedings in this regard;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to act in conformity with their international obligations and to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the state-sponsored deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to hate crimes – especially against transgender persons – , the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression and censorship in the media and online; recalls the need to adopt measures to ensure all citizens can enjoy these freedom safely; calls on authorities to align its criminal legislation concerning homophobic and transphobic hate crime with ecri’s general policy recommendation 7 ,1aas requested by ecri in its 2019 conclusions1b; urges authorities to lift the protracted bans on pride events;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation in the country , especially regarding minorities and vulnerable groups , including women , ethnic , religious (where we emphasise the persecution of christians) and sexual minorities; deplores the difficult situation faced by lgbti people with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons– the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media;


### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; ### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; is appalled by the turkish authorities’ continuous disregard for and failure to apply the rulings of the ecthr that oblige turkey to immediately release mr demirtaş; condemns the indictment in pursuit of the hdp party’s closure and the political banning for nearly 500 hdp politicians , including most of its current leadership , that was filed by the chief public prosecutor of turkey’s court of cassation , bekir şahin , and accepted by unanimity by turkey’s constitutional court in june 2021; notes with grate concern that the hdp dissolution case is the culmination of a crackdown on the party that has been going on for several years , and reiterates that banning the party would be a serious political mistake as an irreversible blow to pluralism and democratic principles; further highlights the role of the ankara 22nd heavypenal court in the so-called ‘kobane case’ against 108 hdp politicians , and points to the special role of prosecutor ahmet altun , and in particular demands clarity over the alleged political interference documented among the file;further questions how the court managed to examine and accept a 3530-pagedocument in a week , without hearing defendants; is concerned by the ongoing case against chp vice chair gökçe gökçen ,in the framework of an investigation against the whole executive board of the party for the publication and distribution of a booklet; is shocked by the fact that , among the three lawsuits filed against her , the ankara chief public prosecutor’s office , led by chief public prosecutor ahmet akça , charged her with the crime of physically assaulting the president , which comes with a minimum five year prison sentence , related to this brochure’s publication; notes that , while this lawsuit has been dismissed by the ankara 18th high criminal court , the other two lawsuits for slander , incitement towards hatred and defamation against the president still continue; remains seriously concerned about the continuous political and judicial harassment of canan kaftancıoğlu , istanbul provincial chair of the chp , through a growing number of lawsuits against her;


### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; ### 17. strongly condemns the indictment refilled by turkey’s chief public prosecutor at the constitutional court seeking the dissolution of the hdp and a political ban on nearly 500 hdp members , including most of its current leadership , which would prevent them from conducting any kind of political activity in the next five years and that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp;


### 19. recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses , nevertheless , that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by the kurdistan workers’ party (pkk) , which has been on the eu list of terrorist organisations since 2002; ### 19. stresses that anti-terrorism provisions in turkey are too broad and are used in a discretionary manner to repress the opposition and civil society and by abusing the anti-terrorist legislation , the authorities diminish the serious nature of this ever-present threat; recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism , something that must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by the kurdistan workers’ party (pkk) , which has been on the eu list of terrorist organisations since 2002;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; calls on turkey to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the eu-turkey statement of 2016 , including vis a vis the republic of cyprus , as well as to resume the readmission of returnees from the greek islands interrupted in march 2020 , and turkey’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for illegal migration opening from turkey to the eu , and its will to cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the eu to this effect and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process; believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in turkey and the eu therefore takes note of the commission’s proposal to work on a mandate on the potential upgrading of the customs union provided that it is implemented vis-à-vis all member states would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and that it can only be envisaged following turkey’s full implementation of the additional protocol to extend the association agreement towards all member states without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the very onset of any negotiations , as the parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement without results on the aforementioned preconditions in this field; notes that visa liberalisation would constitute an important step towards facilitating people-to-people contacts and is of great importance for turkish citizens , particularly for students , academics , business representatives and people with family ties in eu member states; continues its support for the visa liberalisation process once the set conditions have been fully and effectively implemented and encourages the turkish government to fully comply with the 72 criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap in a non-discriminatory manner towards all member-states; stresses that there has been very little real progress on the outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by turkey; notes that the new action plan on human rights foresees the acceleration of the fulfilment of the remaining benchmarks; stresses that the revision of turkey’s anti-terrorism legislation and data protection law are key conditions for ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms; regrets that as a result of turkey’s instrumentalization of refugees a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in cyprus in 2021; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the eu-turkey readmission agreement vis-à-vis all member states , existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with eu member states , should be adequately implemented; cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all eu member states remains essential;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; emphasises that the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees cannot be accepted as a tool for political leverage and blackmail; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the joint eu – turkey statement of 2016 and the eu-turkey readmission agreement vis-à-vis all member states , existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with member states should be adequately implemented; effective border management , as well as the resumption of returns , continue to be priorities;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; supports an objective assessment of the eu -turkey cooperation on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides to comply with their respective commitments;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. notes the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; deplores human smuggling and human rights violations refugees have been subjected to in turkey and emphasises that continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey must not be used as leverage against the eu;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; reiterates its call onturkey to progressively align with the eu common foreign and security policy and to reverse the increasingly negative trend as a matter of priority and recalls its position on accession of member states to international organisations; notes with concern that turkey’s foreign policy has been increasingly colliding with the eu priorities under the common foreign and security policy , including regarding libya and operation irini; in line with the shared interest of the eu and turkey in regional peace and stability , expects turkey and all actors to contribute positively to the resolution of regional crises; regrets , against this background , the lowest level (14%) of alignment of turkey with cfsp and csdp among candidates; commends the recent rapprochement between turkey and armenia with regard to the decision to start bilateral contacts , the appointment of special representatives and the resumption of flights between the two countries; considers this attempt a very positive development and encourages both sides to pursue these efforts with a view to fully normalize their relations; expresses hope that this may lead to a dynamic of normalization of relations in the south caucasus;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; notes that turkey’s cfsp alignment remained at very low levels and its increasingly assertive foreign policy continued to collide with the eu priorities under the cfsp , notably due to its support for military actions in the caucasus , syria , libya and iraq; notes that the eu has repeatedly stressed the need for turkey to respect the sovereign rights of eu member states , which include entering into bilateral agreements and exploring and exploiting their natural resources in accordance with the eu acquis and international law , including the united nations convention on the law of the sea; stresses that turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations , international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the united nations charter , having recourse , if necessary , to the international court of justice;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; regrets the continued backsliding of dialogue on foreign policies between turkey and the eu and the execution of turkish military actions in libya , syria and the caucasus; recalls that as nato member , turkey plays a geostrategic role ensuring regional and european security and is expected to act in line with the nato treaty;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; condemns , in this regard , the continuous harassment and hindrance by turkish warships of research vessels from performing surveys on the potential route of the east med pipeline , which is an energy project of eu common interest (pci) , within the eez/ continental shelf of member states; calls on turkey to respect the sovereignty of all eu member states over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights , including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources , in accordance with eu and international law , including the united nations convention on the law of the sea (unclos) , which is part of the eu acquis; continues to urge turkey to unequivocally commit to good neighborly relations , international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes , having recourse , if necessary to the international court of justice and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; supports , in this respect , the invitation by the government of the republic of cyprus to turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts , or have recourse , to the international court of justice , and calls on turkey to accept cyprus’ invitation; reiterates its call on the turkish government to halt its plans for the akkuyu nuclear power plant , which will be located in a region prone to severe earthquakes , therefore posing a major threat not only to turkey , but also to the mediterranean region; requests , accordingly , that the turkish government join the convention on environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context (espoo convention) , which commits its parties to notifying and consulting each other about major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across borders; asks the turkish government , to this end , to involve or at least consult the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the akkuyu venture;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; commends the continuation of exploratory talks between turkey and greece in an effort to find sustainable and inclusive solutions for open discussions; regrets the recent allegations by turkey regarding the greek sovereignty of islands in the aegean sea; expresses its unwavering support and full solidarity with greece; calls on turkey to refrain from any provocative and counterproductive rhetoric and to settle the differences through diplomatic channels;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. notes that despite the initial indications towards a de-escalation in the eastern mediterranean during the past year tensions continued to remain high with member states , in particular greece and cyprus;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. regrets the fact that the cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant unsc resolutions will have a positive impact on turkey’s relations with the eu; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , as set out in relevant un security council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded and the acquis;; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned the agreed un framework and its insistence to a two state solution in cyprus and that it continues to violate un security council resolutions , with unilateral , illegal and provocative actions including by the opening of the fenced off area of varosha; notes that eu funding to turkey will be subject to rules on conditionality , including for respecting the principles of the united nations charter , international law and european values and principles; praises the important work of the bi-communal committee on missing persons (cmp) and calls on the turkish authorities to advance their efforts to provide the cmp proprio motu and without delay with all information at their disposal relating to burial sites and any other places where remains might be found , including information in military archives;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. condemns turkey’s illegal activities in cyprus , particularly its partial ‘opening’ of varosha and acknowledges that it is one of the major obstacles to eu-turkey relations; calls on turkey to immediately end its military violations of cyprus’ and greece’s airspace and territorial waters; and in this regard , encourages turkey to sign and ratify un convention on the law of the sea (unclos); reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework and again invites the turkish government to reassess the possibility of returning to dialogue on this format , as it represents the only viable way towards reconciliation; urges turkey to maintain good neighbourly relations and to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; strongly condemns the further reopening of the town of varosha in violation of united nations security council resolution 550 and resolution 789; calls for the reversal of this unilateral action a resumption of the dialogue with cyprus; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the conflict in cyprus remains unresolved , constituting a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement , including its external aspects , within the un framework , on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law , with all relevant unsc resolutions and in line with the principles on which the eu is founded and the acquis; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; the eu will continue to play an active role in supporting the process;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; the eu , its members and its institutions have shown that , in recent international developments , the norms and values which are at the core of our european project , have become essential pillars in our external action and in relation with other global actors; this approach will only become stronger with the passage of time and we urge all our friends , allies and partners to take this seriously into account;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; calls on both sides to review , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of the current framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , to explore other possible models for future relations;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; is of the opinion that continuing the path towards accession is a dead end road that must be abandoned given the fundamental differences between the eu and turkey; believes therefore that efforts should be directed towards exploring other possible models for future relations;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping its value-based approach to sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; encourages both sides to review , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of the accession framework and explore new models for future relations;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; considers that turkey does not fill the necessary criteria needed for keeping the accession; reminds that any improvement of the official eu-turkey relations , and any move on the positive agenda as offered in the european council conclusions of october 2020 and december 2020 , is dependent onan improvement of the civil and human rights and rule of law situation in turkey;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on and constructive dialogue with the government of turkey and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society and promote convergence with the eu;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , alongside the principles of international law and multilateralism , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations;


### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism; ### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls on turkey to reassess its assertive foreign policy , to cease unilateral actions and inflammatory statements; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism;


### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism; ### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust in accordance with obligations under the negotiating framework;


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### deleted


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; calls for a stronger , strategic and value-based leadership by the presidents of both institutions and the high representative , with appropriate accountability towards parliament;


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey within the eu; urges its institutions and member states to build a coherent and streamlined approach to this matter , as it is in relation to one of our largest neighbours and most important partners;


### g. whereas the new eu global human rights sanctions regime allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; ### g. whereas the new eu global human rights sanctions regime allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; whereas the use of this tool could be enhanced by making it subject to qualified majority voting;


### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries , colombia , mexico and the philippines , according to the ngo global witness; whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; ### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , according to the ngo global witness , and whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , sometimes in the context of large development projects that affect access to land , water and livelihoods;


### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities; ### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and face new challenges , often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities;


### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities; ### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity , the planet , and the rights of future generations; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities;


### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk (such as in mexico and colombia) , developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring (for example in russia) , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards (for example in uganda and honduras) , providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico; ### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , equally among all member states , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk (such as in mexico and colombia) , developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring (for example in russia) , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards (for example in uganda and honduras) , providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico;


### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk (such as in mexico and colombia) , developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring (for example in russia) , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards (for example in uganda and honduras) , providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico; ### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk; developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards , providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico;


### 12. welcomes the regular training on human rights , including on hrd policy , for staff members working as focal points in both the political and cooperation sections of eu delegations; is , however , concerned by reports that awareness and knowledge of the guidelines remain inadequate; calls for this training to be expanded; ### 12. welcomes the regular training on human rights , including on hrd policy , for staff members working as focal points in both the political and cooperation sections of eu delegations; is , however , concerned by reports that awareness and knowledge of the guidelines remain inadequate; calls for this training to be expanded to stakeholders;


### 13. calls for more public engagement by the vp/hr and the eu special representative for human rights with regard to individual hrds; encourages the vp/hr and the commissioners to commit to systematically meeting with hrds during their visits abroad and to raise at the highest level the plight of hrds under attack , including through public statements when appropriate; ### (does not affect the english version.)


### - the development of a strategy to work for the release of hrds in long-term detention; ### (does not affect the english version.)


### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by non-governmental actors , including criminal groups and local communities , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation in crisis situations; ### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by non-governmental actors , including criminal groups and local communities , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide , where possible , an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation in crisis situations;


### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences; ### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences; calls for the eu to make more and coherent use of clauses in trade agreements that protect human rights , including closer monitoring and adequate enforcement of human rights commitments , and to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries;


### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences; ### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of certain business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences;


### 29. highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against hrds by their national authorities or proxies , including in member states; calls on the commission and the member states to identify and tackle these threats within the eu as a priority and as an integral aspect of the guidelines; urges the commission and the member states to provide foreign hrds residing in the eu with adequate financial and other means to enable them to continue their human rights work remotely; ### 29. highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against hrds by their national authorities or proxies , including in member states; calls on the commission and the member states to identify and tackle these threats within the eu as a priority and as an integral aspect of the guidelines; encourages the commission and the member states to consider providing foreign hrds residing in the eu with basic financial means to enable them to continue their human rights work remotely;


### 30. notes the improvement of eu support for relocating hrds at risk and the adoption of best practice in some member states , such as ireland and spain , but deplores the fact that many hrds and their families continue to see their urgent relocation or visa requests denied; ### 30. notes the improvement of eu support for relocating hrds at risk and the adoption of best practice in some member states , such as ireland and spain , and takes note of the fact that many hrds and their families continue to see their urgent relocation or visa requests denied;


### 31. stresses that visas are a key protection tool and that , in order to effectively assist hrds at risk , the commission should take a proactive role towards the establishment of an eu-wide scheme for issuing short-term visas for such hrds; believes that , in particular , member states should facilitate the issuance of visas 1) procedurally , by ensuring that their embassies’ and consulates’ processes are swift , comprehensible , accessible and achievable , and 2) structurally , by creating a specific category in the eu visa code9for hrds at risk , amending the temporary protection directive10to allow hrds at risk to be granted temporary protection status in the eu , and including dedicated instructions in the eu visa code handbook11on granting facilitation procedures to hrds and their family members; underlines the need to make visa requirements and conditions less stringent for hrds in need of emergency evacuation; calls for efforts to raise member states’ officials’ awareness of the particular needs and challenges of applications by hrds; suggests making full use of meps and their networks to help secure visas; ### 31. stresses that humanitarian visas are an important protection tool and that , in order to effectively assist hrds at risk , the commission should take a proactive role towards the establishment of an eu-wide scheme for issuing humanitarian visas for such hrds; believes that , in particular , member states should facilitate the issuance of visas: procedurally , by ensuring that their embassies’ and consulates’ processes are swift , comprehensible , accessible and achievable;


### 32. calls on eu delegations’ human rights focal points to identify and raise particular emergency relocation needs with member states’ missions and make recommendations on the issuance of visas to individual hrds; ### 32. calls on eu delegations’ human rights focal points to identify and raise particular emergency relocation needs with member states’ missions;


### 34. calls on the member states to facilitate the issuance of temporary , multiple-entry visas for hrds seeking to travel to europe for advocacy or professional training purposes; ### 34. calls on the member states to facilitate the issuance of short-term , multiple-entry visas for hrds seeking to travel to europe for advocacy or professional training purposes;


### 44. stresses that the revision of the guidelines should also expand the scope of eu engagement with hrds beyond the traditional interlocutors in capitals to include individuals and groups in remote or rural areas , and those working to defend the rights of refugees and migrants; ### 44. stresses that the revision of the guidelines should also expand the scope of eu engagement with hrds beyond the traditional interlocutors in capitals to include individuals and groups in remote , rural or hard-to-reach areas , and those working to defend the rights of refugees and migrants;


### 54. calls for the vp/hr , in cooperation with the member states and parliament , to adopt an annual list of focus countries of serious concern in relation to the plight of hrds , to be modified according to developments on the ground , which would , inter alia , allow for: 1) a fully coordinated team europe practical response on the ground; 2) greater access to resources , particularly under a team europe funding facility , for emergency protection and longer-term funding to address the broader institutional and structural human rights context; 3) enhanced local human rights monitoring; 4) dedicated national implementation strategies; 5) additional resources at headquarters and delegation levels; ### 54. encourages the vp/hr , in cooperation with the member states and parliament , to adopt an annual list of focus countries of serious concern in relation to the plight of hrds;