EPA Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan

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An extensive 100-page report by the European body has found a number of problem areas, including the legal situation in the country which it describes as being of “grave concern”. The worsening relationship may spell an end for the flagging Turkey-EU migrant deal, seen in Brussels as crucial to trying to resolve the refugee crisis. After the failed military coup on July 15 the country’s president Recep Tayipp Erdogan initiated a number of legal measures that the EC which the 100-page report describes as being “not in line with European standards” and added that the arrests of several politicians in November were “a matter of grave concern”.

EPA Kurdish protestors march against the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan

Over the issue of the Kurdish question in the south-east of the country and the on-going activities of the separatist group the PKK, the Commission Staff Working Document highlighted “serious allegations of human rights violations” as well as “disproportionate use of force” by the security services. In a number of areas, such as freedom of expression and public administration, the commission said that there had been “backsliding” by Turkey, rather than progress. It stated that “selective and arbitrary” application of the law in the fight for national security and against terrorism, had had “a negative impact on freedom of expression”.

A look back on the shocking Turkish military coup that left 294 dead Wed, July 27, 2016 The violent military coup to overthrow Turkey's President Erdogan has 'failed' leaving at least 104 dead and more than 1,500 wounded Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 42 A police officer talks with the soldiers involved in the coup attempt after they surrendered

EPA Turkish President Recep Erdogan

In addition, the arrests of numerous journalists and the closure of a number of media outlets after the attempted coup were of “serious concern”. More than 190 publications were closed down in the coup's aftermath and nearly 100 journalists were arrested, while 2,500 lost their jobs. The report also criticised Mr Erdogan’s administration for some of its economic policies, pointing to the country’s large national debt as well as its central bank base rate cut while still managing a worrying level of inflation.

EPA Kurdish protestors take to the streets in Berlin

It also added that structural reforms to streamline the economy had “stalled”. It concluded: “Overall, there was backsliding”. However, the report did say that the country had a “good love” of preparation in “achieving the capacity to cope with the competitive pressure and market forces within the EU”.

EPA Turkey's President Recep Erdogan speaking in Bucharest