EU Enlargement Chief Presses Türkiye on Freedom of Expression

European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn visited the Turkish parliament in Ankara on Wednesday, meeting with Yasar Yakis, chairman of the Parliamentary EU Adjustment Commission, and other commission members.

Rehn acknowledged that Türkiye faces both domestic and international pressures in sustaining its reform agenda, but stressed that meaningful progress on freedom of expression remains a key EU expectation.

He noted that the European Commission was still finalizing its progress report and strategy document, both of which would carry weight at the European Council meeting planned for December.

Rehn emphasized that advancing political reforms, including fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, would directly accelerate Türkiye's accession negotiations. He urged Ankara to adopt the ninth reform package before the progress report is released, adding that the absence of freedom-of-expression provisions from that package was a serious concern for the Commission.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.