European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos warned Friday that Turkey's repression against political opposition, the press, and the LGBT community is further hindering its chances of joining the European Union. Kos emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties with Ankara despite international tensions. Turkey’s EU accession process has been stalled for years due to concerns over democratic backsliding. This latest criticism highlights ongoing worries about human rights abuses in Turkey as a major obstacle to future membership. Despite the challenges, Kos stressed the need for continued partnership. She underscored Turkey's strategic importance in addressing regional instability. This suggests the EU seeks to balance its values concerns with geopolitical realities.