GRECO published two reports highlighting Turkey’s lack of progress in implementing anti-corruption measures. Released on 28 June 2019, the reports highlight the country’s lack of progress in the anti-corruption area, in particular the transparency of political party funding and the prevention of corruption among politicians, judges and prosecutors. In view of the continued lack of progress on party funding, the reports stated that the Turkish authorities made reference to legislative reforms in this area being underway as far back as 2012, but they still have not materialised. With regard to the prevention of corruption among MPs, judges and prosecutors, the reports noted the continuing lack of a code of ethical conduct for MPs, the transparency of the legislative process as well as integrity training and counselling for MPs.

EU Commission’s progress report finds Turkey moving “further away” from the union. Released on 29 May 2019, the report noted a serious backsliding in the fields of democracy, economy and free market, particularly with regards to the independence of key economic institutions and the transparency of state aid. Citing severe restrictions to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, procedural and property rights as well as deterioration in prison conditions, the Report also criticised the erosion of human rights in the aftermath of the attempted coup d’etat of July 2016.

With regard to AML/CFT issues, the European Commission stated that Turkey needs to continue aligning its legislative framework and institutions with a view to complying with Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations and previous evaluations. The Commission noted that Turkey lacked a comprehensive strategy and action plan to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, though it reported that MASAK (Turkish FIU) has been preparing a comprehensive national risk assessment document in view of the upcoming FATF assessment. Furthermore, the Commission notes that law enforcement action for money laundering or terrorist financing offences was very low.

In light of the overall findings, the report ultimately concluded that EU accession talks with Turkey have effectively come to a standstill.