Türkiye warns EU against interfering with its judicial independence

ANKARA

Türkiye's Permanent Delegation to the EU, warned the Union’s institutions on Thursday against taking positions that could undermine the country's judicial independence.

In a statement, the official responded to a series of meetings held on Türkiye during the European Parliament’s Plenary Session in Strasbourg from March 31 to April 3.

The delegation criticized the sessions as politically motivated and an attempt to deflect from the EU’s internal difficulties.

“We find it strange that the EP (European Parliament) is trying to divert attention instead of confronting its own problems during this difficult period that the European Union (EU) is in,” the statement issued by the delegation.

The delegation expressed concern over the general tone of the meetings, saying they had become a platform for extreme and unfounded rhetoric.

“The transformation of the EP into a platform where irrational and tactless views are expressed is also worrying for the future of the EU,” it highlighted.

“Indeed, the meetings in question have provided an opportunity for extremist and racist factions from all walks of life who aim to push Türkiye away from the EU,” it added.

ON the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos' announcement about her visit to Türkiye, in which she stated that she would not visit, the statement described the move as 'politically motivated.'

“We consider the statement made by Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, in one of the meetings, where she said she will not pay her visit to our country, as a move driven by political motives, aimed at satisfying certain circles within the EU,” the statement said.
The statement added 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,” it further underscored.

The statement also criticized the Union 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.

“It is contradictory and unconvincing that certain circles, who avoid commenting on judicial processes in some EU member states, express their views on certain legal processes that have not yet been concluded in Türkiye,” it concluded.