Hansjoerg Kretschmer, the European Commission's top representative in Türkiye, told Sivas Governor Hasan Canpolat in May 2006 that Türkiye had achieved significant advances toward meeting EU political criteria, including human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance.
Kretschmer noted that the EU expects continued momentum and hopes Ankara will take further steps. He expressed particular concern over freedom of expression, pointing out that individuals in Türkiye can still face prosecution and conviction on speech-related charges.
Freedom of religion was also flagged as an area needing improvement, with Kretschmer citing unresolved issues affecting non-Muslim minorities. An independent and impartial judiciary was listed as another priority for Brussels.
On the question of nuclear weapons, Kretschmer said the EU and Türkiye share the same position: that countries in the region, and globally, should be kept from acquiring nuclear arms.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.