Brussels, 27/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - During the 55th EU-Turkey Cooperation Council on 27 May, Turkey's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoglu called for a new approach in the relations of the parties. “We need a more progressive dynamic, a new strategic vision”, he said. “I think that Turkey deserves to be a member of the EU. We need Turkey in the EU more than ever. With Ankara, the EU would be more vocal and influential in the world”, he explained. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stated that the two parties - the EU and Turkey - are responsible for maintaining the momentum in their relationship. Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore spoke in favour of the “need to further strengthen relations between Turkey and the EU”.
Stating that chapter 22 on regional policy will be opened before the end of the Irish Presidency of the European Council of Ministers, Davutoglu expressed his hope that all the chapters might be opened. He recalled that 17 are blocked for political reasons, and highlighted that this is the reason why Turkey is not progressing towards the EU. He particularly spoke of the need for a new approach in the development of the political agenda “so we need to open this chapter”. Füle encouraged Turkey to maintain the momentum in order to open the other chapters, including chapter 19 on social policy. The EU notes that Turkey would be able to accelerate the pace of the negotiations by making progress on meeting the benchmarks responding to the requirements of the negotiating framework, and by respecting its contractual obligations with regard to the EU, the Council conclusions underline. The EU highlights Ankara's refusal to implement the additional protocol to the association agreement, and it also highlights Turkey's absence of progress in its relations with Cyprus.
Davutoglu called for the liberalisation of visas, wanting a parallel process with the readmission agreement - although the EU wants this to be signed as a pre-condition for visa liberalisation. In Davutoglu's view, Turkey should also be involved in the free-trade agreements between the EU and third countries.
The EU underlines Turkey's progress - particularly in terms of rule of law - and recognises its “regional role” and its active involvement in the neighbourhood, including Syria. (CG/transl.fl)