Statement by Elmar Brok, MEP, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the judicial reform in Turkey - Main contents

"The committee and its standing rapporteur, Ms Ria Oomen Ruijten, are following closely the discussions on the judicial reform bill currently before the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

We would like to reaffirm that an independent and impartial judiciary, based on a clear separation of powers and in line with European standards, is key for a democratic system of checks and balances and is a key factor for the negotiations between Turkey and the European Union.

In this context, the 2010 judicial reform, which led to the establishment of the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors, was an important step in the right direction. We call on the Government and Parliament of Turkey to anchor any reform of the Judiciary to the criteria of the Venice Commission, on the basis of close consultations with the European Union and the Council of Europe.

We also expect the investigations and legal proceedings on the allegations of corruption to be pursued without interference. Close EU-Turkey relations are important for both Turkey and the EU and in this context we stress the need and value of close cooperation and dialogue also on the reform process in Turkey".