Brussels, 05/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said on Wednesday 5 September that accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey are virtually blocked. “I admit that negotiations (with Turkey) on enlargement are virtually blocked”, he said to the heads of delegations of the EU.
Van Rompuy nevertheless called for the continuation of structured and intensive contact with Ankara. He is also due to visit the country at the beginning of 2013. One of the reasons for the blockage in negotiations is the conflict between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus - a member of the EU - that Ankara does not recognise. Turkey is boycotting all high level meetings under Cypriot presidency of the EU.
Cyprus, and also France, are unilaterally blocking the chapters on negotiations with Turkey. To allow Ankara to move closer to the EU and to continue the reforms, the European Commission and Turkey are working on a “positive agenda”. (CG/transl.fl)