Brussels, 10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 October in its progress report, the European Commission stressed the importance of, “resuming work on the negotiating chapters that have been interrupted for a number of years due to the lack of consensus between member states”. Eight chapters are blocked by the Council. The Commission explained that, “it is in the interest of both the EU and Turkey that accession negotiations regain their momentum, not least to ensure that the EU remains the benchmark for reform in Turkey”. The Commission also explains that Turkey is a key country for the EU because of its economic dynamism, strategic position and its role in the region. The report underlines that the positive agenda, put into place in May, must be used to revive the accession process and bring a new dynamic to EU/Turkish relations.
The Commission also expressed its growing concerns about the lack of progress towards fully meeting the political criteria for accession. It highlights shortcomings with regard to fundamental freedoms, freedom of expression, of assembly and association, the right to a fair trial etc. despite a few recent improvements. The Commission welcomes the participatory work on the new constitution and is encouraging the government to present the fourth package of legal reforms as soon as possible and find a political solution to the Kurdish question.
The Commission also expresses a number of serious concerns about Turkey's declarations regarding the Cypriot presidency of the EU and the freezing of its relations with this presidency. It is calling on Ankara to make efforts towards resolving its conflict with Cyprus. The report explains that this could help to provide a new boost to the accession process and calls on Turkey to make further progress in solving its bilateral problems. (CG/trans.fl)