Ms Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission
Implementation of the Recommendations Contained in the European Parliament’s 2026 Report on Türkiye
Dear President von der Leyen,
On behalf of the EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC), I would like to draw your attention to the recommendations adopted by the European Parliament in its 2026 Report on Türkiye and respectfully urge the European Commission to take concrete steps towards their implementation.
The report reflects growing concern regarding the continuing deterioration of democratic standards, judicial independence, local democracy and fundamental rights in Türkiye. At the same time, it acknowledges that recent developments surrounding the announced dissolution of the PKK may create a historic opportunity to advance a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question and, consequently, contribute to the democratisation of Türkiye as a whole.
The EUTCC believes that the European Union has both a political responsibility and a strategic interest in supporting this process in a constructive, principled and forward-looking manner.
In this regard, we respectfully encourage the Commission and the Council to consider the following measures:
Support an Inclusive and Democratic Peace Process
Encourage the Turkish authorities to ensure that the ongoing process develops within a transparent, democratic and parliamentary framework that includes political parties, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and representatives of affected communities.
Promote Legislative Reform
Make clear that progress in EU–Türkiye relations requires substantial reforms of anti-terror legislation and related judicial practices, in line with the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights and the recommendations of the Council of Europe.
Support the Implementation of the “Right to Hope”
In this context, the EUTCC underlines the importance of implementing the “right to hope” in accordance with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, including with regard to the case of Abdullah Öcalan. Meaningful and credible peace negotiations are difficult to envisage without enabling Mr Öcalan to participate effectively in a genuine dialogue process.
Defend Local Democracy
Continue to oppose the systematic replacement of democratically elected mayors and local representatives by appointed trustees and insist on respect for electoral mandates and democratic governance.
Support Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Mechanisms
Encourage the establishment of institutional mechanisms capable of addressing enforced disappearances, forced displacement, impunity and other serious human rights violations linked to decades of conflict.
Strengthen Support for Civil Society
Increase support for independent civil society organisations, human rights defenders, women’s organisations, youth initiatives, professional associations and other democratic actors throughout Türkiye.
Ensure Accountability for Serious Human Rights Violations
Carefully assess the European Parliament’s recommendation regarding the possible use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against officials responsible for grave and systematic violations of fundamental rights and democratic freedoms.
Madam President,
The European Parliament has provided a clear and comprehensive roadmap. The credibility of the European Union’s commitment to democracy, human rights and peaceful conflict resolution will depend on whether these recommendations are translated into meaningful policy and concrete action.
The present moment offers a rare opportunity to move beyond a security-centred approach and towards a democratic solution based on rights, participation and reconciliation. The European Union can and should play a constructive role in supporting such a transformation.
We therefore respectfully encourage the European Commission to give due consideration to these recommendations and to actively support efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable, peaceful and democratic future in Türkiye.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Kariane Westrheim
Chairperson
EU Turkey Civic Commission www.eutcc.net Twitter: @EUTCC1 Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission Instagram: @eutcc1
The EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) welcomes the adoption of the European Parliament’s 2026 Report on Türkiye by a broad majority. The report provides a clear and comprehensive assessment of the ongoing deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Türkiye, while also identifying a historic opportunity for a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question.
The EUTCC particularly welcomes the Parliament’s recognition that the current dialogue process and the announced dissolution of the PKK have created an unprecedented opening for peace. At the same time, the report rightly points to the contradictions that continue to undermine confidence in the process: the persistence of political repression, the use of anti-terror legislation against elected representatives, the continuation of the trustee system, and the criminalisation of legitimate democratic activities.
A sustainable peace process cannot be built upon the exclusion of democratic actors, restrictions on fundamental freedoms or the suppression of political dissent. Lasting peace requires democratic participation, legal certainty, accountability and respect for human rights.
The EUTCC strongly supports the European Parliament’s call for legislative reforms that bring Türkiye’s anti-terror framework and related practices into line with European human rights standards. Such reforms are indispensable if the current process is to evolve from a security-centred initiative into a genuine democratic peace process.
In this context, the EUTCC also underlines the importance of fully implementing the “right to hope” in line with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, including in the case of Abdullah Öcalan. Meaningful and credible peace negotiations require the freedom of Mr. Öcalan to enable genuine dialogue, legal safeguards and respect for fundamental rights. This would constitute an important confidence-building measure for the advancement of a democratic and peaceful resolution.
We also welcome the Parliament’s call for the establishment of an institutional framework capable of addressing enforced disappearances, forced displacement and other grave human rights violations that have resulted from decades of conflict. Truth, justice, accountability and reconciliation are essential components of any lasting settlement.
The EUTCC further supports the Parliament’s continued solidarity with civil society organisations, human rights defenders, women’s organisations, youth initiatives, trade unions, bar associations and independent democratic actors throughout Türkiye. These actors remain indispensable partners for democratic transformation and peaceful coexistence.
The EUTCC calls upon all stakeholders – the Turkish Government, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, civil society organisations and European institutions – to seize this historic opportunity and work towards a democratic, peaceful and rights-based future for all citizens of Türkiye.
— EU Turkey Civic Commission www.eutcc.net Twitter: @EUTCC1 Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission Instagram: @eutcc1
No Further Delay: Right to Hope is Essential for the Success of the Peace Process
The EU Turkey Civic Commission is following with great concern the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe in June 2026. Despite Turkey’s ongoing violations, the case of Gurban v. Turkey has not been included on the agenda. This decision sends a problematic signal regarding the enforcement of binding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and jeopardises the credibility of the European human rights system as a whole.
The ECtHR has clearly ruled that the system of aggravated life imprisonment violates the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment. In several resolutions, the Committee of Ministers has called on Turkey to establish a statutory review procedure and to implement the judgments. Nevertheless, the Turkish government continues to refuse to take substantive steps to fulfil these obligations.
The current political situation lends this issue added urgency. The dialogue process between the Turkish state and Abdullah Öcalan is an opportunity for a political solution to the Kurdish question. However, a credible and sustainable dialogue cannot be conducted under conditions of continued isolation, legal arbitrariness and systematic disregard for international court rulings. Particularly in the context of such a process, the implementation of the ECtHR rulings is not a technical detail, but a central prerequisite for the rule of law, confidence-building and democratic prospects.
Reports of alleged improvements to Abdullah Öcalan’s prison conditions on İmralı island must therefore be viewed with great caution. Visits by lawyers and family members, as well as by the İmralı delegation of the DEM Party, remain subject to arbitrary restrictions. The İmralı system remains an expression of a special regime that contravenes fundamental standards of the rule of law.
The fact that the Gurban case was not included on the agenda for the June meeting should therefore not be interpreted as a political let-off for Turkey. The Committee of Ministers is obliged to effectively monitor and ensure compliance with the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
The EU Turkey Civic Commission therefore calls for:
1. the immediate inclusion of the Gurban v. Turkey case on the agenda of the next meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies;
2. the consistent implementation of the ECtHR judgments on the ‘right to hope’;
3. the linking of the ongoing dialogue process with concrete steps regarding human rights and the rule of law.
…..
EU Turkey Civic Commission www.eutcc.net Twitter: @EUTCC1 Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission Instagram: @eutcc1
INTERNATIONAL LAW, SECURITY AND PEACE: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
The international system is undergoing a period of rising conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and growing challenges to international law. In many regions, particularly the Middle East, unresolved political disputes, military interventions and democratic deficits continue to undermine stability and peace. At the same time, the weakening of international legal norms and institutions raises fundamental questions about the future of collective security. This statement highlights these developments, with a focus on the crisis of international law, the role of dialogue in conflict resolution, such as the dialogue process between Turkey and Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdish question as the key to peace and stability, and the importance of inclusive political solutions. It also highlights Europe’s responsibility to promote a value-based security architecture grounded in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
1. A World of Growing Conflicts and a Shaken International Order
The international order is facing a profound crisis. Armed conflicts, regional rivalries and geopolitical tensions are increasing across the globe. More than sixty armed conflicts currently shape the global security landscape. At the same time, international law is under growing pressure. Norms established after the Second World War to safeguard peace and stability are increasingly ignored, selectively applied or politically instrumentalised. The limited effectiveness of mechanisms addressing serious human rights violations, combined with weak enforcement by responsible institutions, further undermines the system.
Europe also faces a fundamental strategic challenge. At a time of growing uncertainty the continent needs – as Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated on 5 March 2026 – “a bold, clear and value-based vision for Europe as a whole”, one that places peace, democracy and human rights at its core.
The crisis in the international order is particularly visible in the Middle East. The escalation in Iran highlights just how fragile stability in the region is. Conflicts in Syria and Iraq persist. Turkey´s interventions in the region, including military ones, are of enormous significance and raise serious questions regarding fundamental principles of international law, particularly regarding civilian protection.
Against this backdrop, a central question emerges: how can peace and democracy be strengthened in such conditions, and how can political initiatives, including the dialogue process between the Turkish state and Abdullah Öcalan and democratic self-governance in Northern Syria, be protected and further developed?
2. The Crisis of International Law: Syria, Iraq and Turkey
Current conflicts in the Middle East reveal structural weaknesses in the international system. Military interventions, drone strikes and cross-border operations are frequently conducted without a clear legal basis, eroding the authority of international law.
In Syria, more than a decade of conflict has not only weakened the state but also undermined international legal norms. Multiple regional and global actors pursue competing military and geopolitical interests, while civilians and minority communities continue to face violence and instability.
Iraq remains similarly shaped by geopolitical competition. In this context, mention must also be made of the extensive presence of the Turkish Army in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
In Turkey, democratic standards have deteriorated significantly. The criminalisation of political opposition, replacement of elected representatives with government-appointed trustees, large-scale trials against political actors, and restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom illustrate deep democratic deficits. These developments are not solely domestic matters; they directly affect regional stability and the credibility of European human rights standards.
The failure to implement rulings of the European Court of Human Rights — especially concerning political prisoners and life sentences, is particularly alarming. When judgments of a central European human rights institution remain unenforced, the authority of the broader European legal framework is weakened.
3. The Kurdish Question as a Key to Regional Stability
A lasting peace in the Middle East is unlikely without addressing the Kurdish question. The Kurdish population, spread across several states, has faced decades of repression, political marginalisation, and armed conflict. This unresolved issue continues to influence regional stability.
At the same time, developments in Kurdish-majority regions demonstrate that alternative political models are possible. Some self-governing structures emphasise decentralisation, local democracy, gender equality and participation by diverse ethnic and religious communities.
The Democratic Self-Administration in North and East Syria has attracted international attention. Despite difficult security conditions, governance structures based on decentralisation, minority inclusion and gender equality have been developed. The institutionalised co-representation of women in political offices represents a notable innovation.
These developments warrant international engagement and dialogue. Any future political settlement for Syria should include democratic actors from northern Syria and consider political arrangements that recognise decentralised governance structures.
4. Dialogue as a Path to Peace – The Role of Abdullah Öcalan
The establishment of institutional and legal frameworks, as well as the implementation of existing legal options, is a key prerequisite for transforming the dialogue between the Turkish state and Abdullah Öcalan into a sustainable peace process.
As demonstrated by the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in 2025 and the decision to cease armed struggle, Abdullah Öcalan’s role is of central importance in this regard.
Against this backdrop, it is of crucial importance to ensure the implementation of the so-called ‘right to hope’ in accordance with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. The Council of Europe has the necessary leverage to achieve this. The release of Abdullah Öcalan is a crucial prerequisite for a sustainable peace settlement.
Confidence-building measures, legal reforms and inclusive political negotiations are essential components of such a process. International institutions can play an important role in facilitating dialogue, supporting human rights standards and encouraging peaceful conflict resolution.
The implementation of human rights obligations, including compliance with relevant court rulings, is particularly important. Respect for legal standards strengthens trust, reduces tensions and creates conditions for meaningful negotiations.
5. Europe’s Responsibility: A Values-Based Security Architecture
Europe must redefine its role in an increasingly fragmented global order. A credible European security strategy should be grounded in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
European institutions possess important instruments, including diplomatic engagement, monitoring mechanisms and structured political dialogue. These tools should be used more actively to support peaceful conflict resolution and democratic development.
Cooperation with civil society organisations and local democratic actors in the region is particularly important. Supporting initiatives that promote reconciliation, dialogue and institutional reform can contribute to long-term stability.
A value-based European policy must also demonstrate consistency. When fundamental rights are violated, clear political responses are necessary to preserve credibility and reinforce international norms.
6. Prospects for Peace and Stability
Current crises demonstrate that military approaches cannot create lasting stability. Sustainable peace requires inclusive political processes, functioning institutions and recognition of the rights of all population groups.
Several key areas for action emerge:
Support for political dialogue between Turkey and Kurdish actors
Consistent implementation of European human rights court judgments
Removing the Kurdistan Workers’ Party from the EU’s list of terrorist organisations
Recognising and integrating democratic structures in northern Syria
Encouragement of democratic reforms and rule-of-law standards
Inclusion of decentralised governance structures in future political settlements
Strengthening women’s rights, gender equality and local democracy
Expanded cooperation with civil society organisations in the region
Such an approach would contribute not only to stabilising the Middle East but also to strengthening the credibility of Europe’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
At least 130 people were tried in 19 cases monitored in March 2026 by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), with 42% of the cases targeting journalists, highlighting ongoing concerns over freedom of expression and fair trial standards in Turkey.
In İstanbul, the 24th Feminist Night Walk took place despite heavy police presence and closed public transportation in the central Taksim area. During the event, six people were detained.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Kurdish politician Salih Muslim, who passed away on 11 March 2026 in Hewler at the age of 75. With his passing, the Kurdish movement, as well as the international community, has lost an important political figure who championed dialogue, democracy, and the rights of peoples in Syria and the region for many years.
