Brussels, 10/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - At Monday's General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg, the EU15 is expected to reach political agreement over the revised partnership for Turkey's accession unveiled by the Commission two weeks ago (see Europe of 27 March, p.8). A number of amendments have been made to trade and economic issues, but the political side of the partnership is likely to be endorsed in virtually the same wording as proposed by the Commission, diplomatic sources suggest. The doubling of aid over the next three years (to EUR 1.05 billion) proposed by the Commission in line with guidelines from the Copenhagen European Council is not part of the accession partnership itself. It forms part of the Communication announcing the partnership. In practice, figures will be put forward by the Commission each year in its preliminary draft budget.
On Tuesday the European Union and Turkey will be meeting in Luxembourg for an Association Council. The most urgent subjects of discussion will be Cyprus and Iraq. The Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gül, his Greek counterpart, the acting President of the Council Georges Papandreou, Commissioner Chris Patten and a representative of the Italian government will be meeting for an hour of informal talks on Cyprus and Iraq before discussions all the other issues connected with Turkey's accession to the European Union in the second hour. Concerning the Cypriot issue, EU leaders are expected to again apply pressure on the Turkish authorities to get Turkey and Turkish Cypriots to hold discussions over the reunification plan outlined by the United Nations Secretary General. Commissioner Verheugen recently said it would be "very difficult" to consider launching accession negotiations with Turkey before Cyprus is reunited. Alongside Cyprus and Iraq, the informal political talks are likely to look at political reform, human rights and the eastern Balkans. After discussing the accession partnership and the Turkish programme to adopt "Community acquis" (legislation), the politicians are expected to discuss the Association and Customs Union Agreement and various trade disputes.