Her Excellency
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