Brussels, 05/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 5 November, during the second ministerial-level accession conference, the European Union and Turkey officially opened the chapter on regional policy and coordination of structural instruments (22). Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle stated that this chapter covers “competitiveness, innovation, economic growth, improved quality of life and sustainable development”. Ministers gave their approval for opening this chapter on 22 October (see EUROPE 10948).
Turkish Foreign Minister Egemen Bagis welcomed the opening of this chapter and described it as “a turning point in EU-Turkish relations”. His colleague, Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz, also welcomed it as a “red letter day”. In response to the request by the commissioner for further commitment, Bagis provided assurances that Turkey was not just prepared to engage but “to marry… namely, accession to the EU…”. He said that “the EU also needs Turkey at least as much as Turkey needs the EU”.
Füle was keen that they do not have to wait another 40 months to open a chapter. He therefore underlined that three chapters could be opened if Turkey fulfilled the conditions: on public procurement (5), competition (8) and social and employment policy (19). He underlined the importance of opening chapters 23 and 24, which have been blocked by the Republic of Cyprus. Asked about the discussions to unblock them, the commissioner said that “dialogue is continuing at the Council” and that “these negotiations are continuing with a view to reaching consensus on these two important chapters”. Bagis emphasised that member states recognised the importance of opening these chapters for all candidate countries and suggested that Turkey should “have this possibility” and that the chapters should be opened, “despite bilateral conflicts”. He welcomed the unblocking of Chapter 22 by France and hoped that France would lift its veto on the four chapters that it was still unilaterally blocking.
Füle pointed out that eight chapters have been blocked on the recommendation of the Commission because Turkey had not met the requirements based on the Ankara Protocol. The commissioner explained that, when Turkey met its commitments, the Commission would propose lifting this blockage, which would give new impetus to the accession process.
Progress on visas
Bagis also announced that the EU and Turkey were “just about to sign a readmission agreement and begin talks on visa liberalisation”. The commissioner concluded that “negotiations will continue at a workgroup level on readmission and visa liberalisation”.
On Thursday and Friday 7-8 November, the commissioner will travel to Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey. (CG/transl.fl)