EU Set to Begin Accession Talks with Turkey Next January if Conditions Met

Strategic Insights -

The European Union (EU) could be ready to start accession talks with Turkey as early as January next year if Ankara meets the required political and economic conditions. This announcement comes as the EU prepares to publish a special report on Turkey's progress in implementing reforms, including those related to the judiciary and human rights. Turkey's ambassador to the EU, Oguz Demiralp, has stated that the country is "speeding up the implementation of reforms" and has made a "strategic decision to join the EU." However, not all EU commissioners are in favor of Turkey's accession, with some, including Fritz Bolkestein, opposing the idea of Turkey ever joining the EU.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU plans to publish a special report on Turkey's progress in implementing reforms in October.
  • Turkey's ambassador to the EU, Oguz Demiralp, has stated that the country is "speeding up the implementation of reforms."
  • The EU could start accession talks with Turkey as early as January next year if the necessary conditions are met.
  • Some EU commissioners, including Fritz Bolkestein, oppose Turkey's accession to the EU.
  • The outcome of the EU's decision depends on the vote from France and the progress of talks in Cyprus.

Statistics:

  • Turkey's accession talks with the EU could take seven years.
  • The United Nations wants to wrap up talks on Cyprus by early April to have time to prepare public opinion for a referendum.
  • The Turkish Cypriot leader, Raul Denktash, has shown few signs of compromise in talks with Greek and Turkish foreign ministers.
  • Most Turkish Cypriots back a settlement that would allow both parts of the island to join the EU together.
  • Greek Cypriots, led by Tassos Papadopoulos, would vote against a deal they claim falls short on the return of refugees forced to flee the north after the Turkish army occupied it in 1974.

Sources:

  • "Turkey 'Ready to Meet EU Conditions'," EU Business, October 2004.
  • Interview with Oguz Demiralp, Turkey's ambassador to the EU.
  • "Turkey's EU Bid: October Report to Spell Out Reforms," Turkish Daily News, September 2004.
  • Interview with Fritz Bolkestein, EU commissioner responsible for the internal market.
  • "Cyprus Talks: Agreement or Deadlock?" The Times, February 2005.