26-27 March 2025, the Annual International Conference on the EU, Turkey, the Middle East and the Kurds was held in the European Parliament in Brussels. Hosted by the EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) in cooperation with the Left Group, the Greens-European Free Alliance (GREENS/EFA) and the Groups of the Free Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the conference drew together policy makers, academics, civil society actors, lawyers, and activists from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
EUTCC: Imagining the Road Ahead for EU-Turkey Relations
The aim of the EUTCC is to contribute to the progress of Turkish membership of the EU. It seeks to ensure that the accession process is used to achieve respect for human and minority rights in Turkey, as well as a peaceful, just and democratic solution to the Kurdish situation. The EUTCC does so by monitoring the European Commission’s performance in ensuring Turkey’s full compliance with the accession criteria, as defined within the meaning of the accession agreements, and conducts regular audits to that end. It disseminates accurate and objective information to EU institutions, other governmental and non-governmental organizations and to the public in Turkey and the EU in order to bring attention both to the progress Turkey has made and the shortcomings that persist. It also seeks to play a positive role in the negotiation process by making recommendations and acting as a point of contact for the parties involved.
This year’s conference came at a crucial time, as discussions about Turkey’s accession to the EU have again come to the forefront. Speakers in the conference included MEPs from across the political spectrum, as well as members of the Imrali delegation, DEM party representatives, lawyers and judges, academic and civil society actors both from Turkey and internationally. Two Nobel Peace Laureates, Jody Williams and Shirin Ebadi also participated in the conference as speakers. Ilham Ehmed, Co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria, gave the keynote speech, analyzing the current geopolitical solution in the Middle East, and the potential for democratic political solutions in Syria.
A common thread woven through many of the speakers interventions was the topic of the need for the democratization of Turkey, and Kurdish political leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27th call for peace and a democratic society. Particularly when it comes to the topic of the EU’s relationship with Turkey and discussions of EU membership, the topic of democratization and adherence to international human rights conventions is of utmost importance. If Turkey is able to contribute to a lasting peace through the adoption of democratic politics in both domestic and regional conflicts, it could become a leading example for governance in the 21st century.
The Final Resolution of the 19th Conference of the EUTCC reads:
At a time when wars and political uncertainty are increasing in the world and the Middle East is being reshaped, important steps are being taken towards a political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey. Kurdish political leader Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call, on 27 February 2025, for peace and a democratic society offers a unique moment to untie the Gordian knot not only for Turkey but for the entire region. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party responded promptly with a unilateral ceasefire. The task now is to create the appropriate legal and political foundations to bring this process to a sustainable peace. The involvement of Mr. Öcalan in the peace process is crucial for its success. After more than 26 years in prison, his release would not only uphold his fundamental rights but also signal a commitment to addressing the needs and rights of the Kurdish community.
Therefore, we demand:
- An end to Turkey’s attacks on Northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as violation of international law
- An end to the appointment of trustees by the Turkish Ministry of the Interior
- The immediate introduction of political and legal measures to progress the initiated process
- Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan – indispensable for him to be able to fulfill his role in this process adequately
A peaceful and democratic regional process, which will have far-reaching global implications, is only possible with broad support. We therefore call on the European Union and its institutions as well as the Council of Europe, to:
- Recognize the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria as an indispensable democratic determinant of a united plural Syria and to strengthen it accordingly
- Enforce the immediate implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Abdullah Öcalan
Use all mechanisms to strengthen the process for a political solution to the Kurdish question and democratization of Turkey and the Middle East
Remove the Kurdistan Workers’ Party from the terror list to send positive signals in favor of the ongoing process
