section_path: Reactions/International
section_name: International
paragraph_text: International
  
  The detention of İmamoğlu and the ensuing protests attracted international attention, with various governments and human rights organizations expressing concern about democratic backsliding in Turkey. Amnesty International 's Deputy Regional Director for Europe Dinushika Dissanayake described the Turkish government actions as "draconian" and an escalated "crackdown on peaceful dissent" to limit freedom of assembly and speech.
  
  President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that Turkey would need to maintain its democratic values to avoid potentially losing its European Union candidate country status, stating that the EU wished to stay closely tied to Turkey. A joint statement released by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos remarked that the European Union held Turkey to a higher standard in implementing democratic values due to its candidate status and Council of Europe membership.
  
  Despite public statements of concern, EU officials acknowledged that Ankara's strategic importance in areas such as migration, energy, and defense makes a strong diplomatic or financial backlash unlikely. EU accession funds and other financial mechanisms continue to benefit Turkey. The country has received around €9 billion to host refugees and remains eligible for billions more under defense-related programs like "Readiness 2030", allowing access to joint procurements worth up to €800 billion.
  
  Two anonymous EU officials admitted recent developments in Turkey "go against the very logic of EU accession," referencing the detention of over 1,000 people including journalists since the protests began. However, no concrete action has been taken due to Turkey’s critical geopolitical role.
  
  Greece and Cyprus have reportedly pushed for restrictions on Turkey’s access to EU defense funds following İmamoğlu’s arrest, amid broader concerns over rule of law and ongoing regional tensions.
  
  Political analyst Dimitar Bechev commented that “whatever Erdoğan does, the EU will have to tag along with it,” suggesting that the EU tolerates democratic backsliding so long as Turkey remains strategically cooperative.