The European Commission has announced its annual progress report on the accession negotiations with countries applying for membership in the European Union. In the report, it states that Turkey’s chance of becoming a member is evaporating.

The European Union’s executive stated that Turkey’s government was undermining its economy, eroding its democracy and destroying independent courts. These actions were undermining its membership chances.

“Turkey’s (EU) accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill. In Turkey, the serious backsliding observed since the 2016 coup attempt has continued”, the European Commission concluded.

In March 2020, the EU agreed to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidates to join the EU.