"We are truly fed up with these statements degrading Turkey. The criteria are clear but there are double standards and a two-faced approach. This is what we don't like,” Cavusoglu said at a press conference.
Cavusoglu's statement comes after a European Commission report on Turkey's accession, released on November 9. Turkey was criticized for its “backsliding” in the sphere of freedom of expression alongside problems in the sphere of corruption, abuse of power by the Turkish government, violent persecution of journalists and activists. These actions could prevent Turkey from accessing the European Union.
The accession talks between Turkey and the European Union started in October 2005 and repeatedly experienced interruptions over the years. The talks were reinvigorated in November of 2015, when both sides activated Joint Action Plan on cooperation aimed at aims to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU, with 3 billion euros allocated to the cause. Since activation of the plan Turkey provided shelter to 3 million of refugees.
