Archive · 9 Oct 2026
EU Commissioner Says Turkish Actions Widen Membership Gap
Turkey wants to join the European Union, but its membership process has been stalled for a long time.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said recent actions in Turkey make joining seem further away.
She pointed to concerns about news media, LGBTQI+ rights and local democracy.
A Turkish court ordered the T24 news outlet’s website and social media accounts blocked.
Authorities said its content amounted to “LGBT propaganda.”
Kos said the EU will discuss its concerns in a report due October 28.
At the same time, she said the EU and Turkey have reasons to work together.
They are discussing issues including trade rules and public procurement.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said recent Turkish actions are widening the gap between Turkey and its EU membership goal.
Kos cited concerns over media freedom, LGBTQI+ rights and local democracy.
A Turkish court ordered T24’s website and social media accounts blocked after authorities alleged it published 118 pieces deemed to constitute “LGBT propaganda.”
Kos said the EU’s annual enlargement report, due October 28, would reflect serious concerns in these areas.
She also said regional conflicts highlight the need for EU-Turkey cooperation, including work on a targeted customs union update and public procurement.
- Who
- EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Turkey.
- What
- Kos said recent Turkish actions are widening the gap with Turkey’s goal of joining the EU.
- When
- Friday, October 9; the EU enlargement report is due October 28.
- Where
- Edirne, in northwestern Turkey.
- Why
- Kos cited concerns over media freedom, LGBTQI+ rights and local democracy, while also pointing to regional conflicts as a reason for EU-Turkey cooperation.
EU concerns
Turkish government position
LGBTQ+ measures and family values
EU concerns
Kos said actions affecting LGBTQI+ rights widen the gap with Turkey’s EU membership objective; the EU and rights groups have criticized the crackdown.
Turkish government position
The Turkish government says the “My Family is Safe” investigation aims to protect children and family values.
Media restrictions
EU concerns
Kos identified media freedom as a serious concern for Turkey’s EU path.
Turkish government position
Authorities said T24 had published content constituting “LGBT propaganda”; the report noted no immediate Turkish government response to Kos’ remarks.
- Turkey’s EU candidacy
- Turkey has been an official EU candidate since 1999; its accession process has long been frozen.
- EU official
- Marta Kos, EU commissioner for enlargement.
- T24 court order
- A Turkish court ordered access to T24’s website and social media accounts blocked.
- Content cited by authorities
- Authorities said T24 had published 118 pieces in the past year deemed to constitute “LGBT propaganda.”
- EU report
- The annual enlargement report was due on October 28 and, Kos said, would reflect serious concerns.
- Cooperation areas
- Kos cited ongoing work on a targeted customs union update and public procurement.
- Other Turkish requests
- Turkey has sought an updated customs union and participation in SAFE, SEPA and the EU’s “Made in Europe” rules.