Why is Turkey not allowed in the EU?

Why Turkey’s EU Bid Remains on Hold

Turkey’s path to European Union membership has been long and increasingly uncertain. Though it officially applied to join what was then the European Economic Community in 1987, and became a candidate country in 004, progress has stalled in recent years. One of the main reasons lies in persistent concerns over human rights and the rule of law.

The EU has repeatedly criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding. Crackdowns on press freedom, restrictions on political opposition, and the erosion of judicial independence have raised red flags among EU officials. Events following the 2016 coup attempt—such as mass arrests, prolonged states of emergency, and the closure of media outlets—deepened these concerns.

Membership isn’t just about economics or geography—it’s about shared values. The EU insists that all members uphold fundamental rights, maintain strong democratic institutions, and respect the independence of the judiciary. From Brussels’ perspective, Turkey has fallen short on several of these fronts.

While Turkey remains a strategic partner for the EU in areas like migration and regional security, political alignment has weakened. Public opinion in Europe has also turned skeptical, wary of admitting a country with such a large population and vastly different political trajectory.

On the other side, many in Turkey now question whether accession is even desirable, especially given the perceived reluctance of EU leaders and what some view as double standards. Ankara has at times responded to criticism with defiance, further widening the gap.

Despite the deadlock, dialogue continues on specific reforms and cooperation initiatives. But without significant improvements in human rights protections and democratic governance, full membership remains a distant prospect. For now, Turkey’s EU dream is not forbidden—but it’s certainly on hold.