Türkiye cautions EU against meddling in its judicial independence
File photo shows the EU and Turkish flags positioned close to each other at an undated time, accessed on March 14, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Faruk Kaymakci, warned European Union institutions on Thursday against taking positions that could undermine the country’s judicial independence.
In a statement, Kaymakci responded to a series of meetings on Türkiye held during the European Parliament’s Plenary Session in Strasbourg from March 31 to April 3. He criticized the sessions as politically motivated and an attempt to deflect attention from the EU’s internal difficulties.
“We find it strange that the European Parliament is trying to divert attention instead of confronting its problems during this difficult period for the European Union,” the statement said.
Kaymakci expressed concern over the tone of the meetings, calling them a platform for extreme and unfounded rhetoric.
‘Platform of irrational and tactless views’
“The transformation of the European Parliament into a platform for irrational and tactless views is also worrying for the future of the EU,” he said. “Indeed, these meetings have provided an opportunity for extremist and racist factions from all walks of life who aim to push Türkiye away from the EU.”
One of the most controversial moments came when EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced that she would not visit Türkiye.
Kaymakci described the move as politically charged, saying, “We consider the statement made by Commissioner Kos, where she said she would not visit our country, as a move driven by political motives aimed at satisfying certain circles within the EU.”
He stressed that such a stance from Kos contradicted the neutrality expected from the European Commission.
“Commissioner Kos’ stance is incompatible with the position of the European Commission, which is supposed to be impartial,” Kaymakci emphasized.
The ambassador also criticized the EU for adopting an inconsistent approach to ongoing legal processes.
“It is unacceptable for the EU to display an approach that undermines the judicial independence and the rule of law in our country,” he said.
“It is contradictory and unconvincing that certain circles that avoid commenting on judicial processes in some EU member states express their views on legal processes that have not yet been concluded in Türkiye,” he added.
