Turkey is moving further away from its goal of joining the European Union, the EU's enlargement commissioner said on Friday. Marta Kos cited a crackdown on the LGBTQ community and curbs on media freedom.

Speaking in Edirne, Kos said recent developments on media freedom, LGBTQ rights and local democracy are widening the gap with Turkey's membership objective. Turkey has been an official EU candidate since 1999, but accession has long been frozen.

Last week, a Turkish court ordered access blocked to independent news outlet T24's website and social media accounts. Authorities said it published 118 items deemed LGBT propaganda.

The move is part of a wider My Family is Safe investigation targeting LGBTQ groups. The government says it protects children and family values. Rights groups and the EU have sharply criticised it.

The EU's annual enlargement report, due on October 28, will reflect serious concerns in these areas, Kos said. She added she would not shy away from stating the facts publicly.