Brussels, 22/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution adopted on Tuesday 21 September in its plenary session, on the basis of the own-initiative report by the Bulgarian Metin Kazak (ALDE), the European Parliament states that it can see progress in commercial relations between the EU and Turkey, but pleads in favour of a more functional customs union which is less bureaucratic and contains fewer barriers, especially of the non-tariff variety. The Parliament also calls on Ankara fully to observe the additional protocol to the EU/Turkey association agreement, without which negotiations for accession to the EU could be seriously jeopardised.
The EP pleads for all obstacles to trade which serve no purpose in trade between the EU and Turkey, such as the non-recognition of certification, the duplication of tests and checks and obligatory standards and technical regulations, to be removed. Ankara is called upon to put an end to excessive import procedures and not to discriminate against foreign companies - the 15% tariff advantage offered by Ankara to Turkish companies submitting bids in public procurement contracts was particularly singled out for reproach. The MEPs also laid emphasis on the problems on the counterfeit production, in Turkey, of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, amongst others, which makes the country less attractive to foreign investment. Also censured were the European non-tariff barriers to Turkish exporters, particularly visa issues for businesspeople and Turkish lorry drivers, hindering their capacity to move freely. The EP also stresses the problems faced by Turkey in the conclusion of free-trade agreements (FTA) with third countries which already have FTAs in place with the EU. Due to the customs union between the EU and Turkey, which entered into force in 1996, the third countries which have an FTA with the EU enjoy preferential access to the Turkish market, which is not reciprocal for Turkish exporters. Lastly, the MEPs are calling for the EU-Turkey customs union, which was established in 1996 to cover all industrial products and processed agricultural products, to be extended to the services and public procurement sectors.
Turkey is the seventh-largest commercial partner of the EU, which is Turkey's largest partner. In 2009, Turkish exports to the EU were worth €33.6 billion. EU exports to Turkey were worth in excess of €40.4 billion. Lastly, 88% of direct foreign investments in Turkey originate in the EU. (E.H./transl.fl)