Speech Prodi voor de Bogaziçi Universiteit van Istanbul (en)

Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to be here today to address this distinguished audience, in this unique and cosmopolitan city. Istanbul looms large in the history of the civilised world as a great political, intellectual as well as artistic centre. Few cities in Europe reflect so many centuries of shared history and identity. And it symbolises economic power, vigour and the emergence of a modern society.

It is a pleasure to be here at Bosphorus University. With its strong international background and its reputation for excellence stretching back over a century, Bosphorus University is well known for preparing outstanding young professionals. Many of its famous alumni have left their mark on Turkey's public life.

The challenges ahead

Powerful shifts are changing the world and Europe. Globalisation, technological innovation and demographic changes are creating new opportunities and challenges but also all kinds of disorders that could give rise to conflict. The question that we have to ask ourselves is how do we respond to these challenges? At a global level it is essential that international organisations such as the United Nations and World Trade Organisation function efficiently, and that there should be agreement on a regulatory framework to ensure a common approach on these major issues.

The EU accepts its share of responsibility for maintaining peace and fostering more equitable development in the world. In fifty years of building Europe, we have acquired the political and the institutional experience that has enabled us to enlarge the membership of our Union from six to 25, and soon to more. The Union is the most successful example of democratic governance in the globalisation process.

We owe a great debt to the European leaders who fifty years ago laid the foundations for the European Union. The community they helped to build was based on reconciliation, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The overwhelming majority of our citizens can now enjoy levels of stability, security and prosperity never experienced by previous generations.

Europe's values

Freedom has always been and remains Europe's unifying principle: it is a principle that allows every man and woman to give the best of themselves, to have a real opportunity to build for themselves and their families lives with dignity, to feel that they are an active part of a thriving community and democracy, to work, to live in a pleasant environment and to be protected against the serious risks that life can bring.

But freedom also means responding decisively to those who seek to curtail it, and to events that endanger the cohesion and solidarity of our societies. Europe must guarantee security while abiding by the principles of freedom and justice. Together we must find solutions to the problems we all face, such as terrorism, international crime, and illegal immigration. We live in a pluralistic society where there should be no room for xenophobia or discrimination against those who are different from ourselves.

The Istanbul attacks

The recent terrorist bombings that hit Istanbul killing innocent women, men and children filled us all with shock and dismay. It also reminded us that there are those who would like to deprive people of freedom. It is therefore essential that we remain determined in our efforts to combat terrorism. It is a threat to us all and we need to address it through mutual co-operation. Turkey's measured and efficient reaction to the terrorist attacks has earned respect from the international community.

Europe as a provider of security

Without peace there can be no freedom, no justice. Europe's vocation to export peace and prosperity to lands which have witnessed the horrors of conflict has been confirmed by the success of the present enlargement.

From the Baltic to the Balkans, Europe is demonstrating in tangible terms what it is capable of doing as a regional power, for international security and stability. If the Balkans are to cease being the source of international crises they have been for centuries, responsibility lies with Europe. But we shouldn't forget that Turkey too plays an important role in stabilising the area, actively participating in EU missions in Bosnia and FYROM and contributing to NATO forces in Kosovo. In July 2003 the Turkish armed forces took over command of the South-Eastern Europe Peacekeeping Force for two years.

But in order for stability and prosperity to be sustainable they must also extend to the areas around us. Achieving this is a crucial EU interest, just as it is a crucial interest for our neighbours. This is the rationale behind the European Neighbourhood policy. We propose a new partnership based on shared values and enhancing economic development, interdependence and cultural links for those neighbours for which accession is not on the agenda.

Turkey in the enlargement process

Today I would like to share with you some thoughts about the challenges now facing the European Union and Turkey in the run-up to December 2004.

Turkey and the European Union are bound by an Association Agreement that dates back to 1963. Within the last ten years, our bilateral relations have developed dynamically, leading to the conclusion of the Customs Union in 1995 and EU candidate status for Turkey, agreed at the Helsinki European Council in December in 1999. The Helsinki decision clarified Turkey's eligibility as a possible EU member state. Since then, Turkey has benefited from a pre-accession strategy in line with the other candidate countries. Turkey's ambition to join the European Union has been confirmed by subsequent meetings of the European Council.

Looking back to the last two or three years, we can say in all frankness that there is a very positive dynamic in EU-Turkey relations. The strategy decided in Helsinki has proved successful. Granting EU candidate status has helped Turkey to pursue a process of far-reaching political reforms second only to Atatürk's visionary changes.

One of Atatürk's targets was for Turkey to reach the standards of what he called "contemporary civilisation" and to allow all Turkish citizens to benefit from the same degree of freedom and democracy enjoyed by citizens of countries which are now part of the European Union.

Political reforms

Major reforms have taken place in a very short period of time. These initiatives have addressed very sensitive issues in the Turkish context, such as the abolition of the death penalty, the lifting of the ban on languages other than Turkish, and civilian control of the military. In successive reports, the Commission has recognised the scope and significance of the reform process. We have praised the determination shown the Government in accelerating the pace of reforms with a view to complying with the Copenhagen political criteria in a difficult domestic and international context.

More progress needed

However, the Commission has also identified areas where more efforts are needed and warned of difficulties encountered in practical implementation on the ground. Let me give you a few examples. The independence and the efficiency of the judiciary should be strengthened. Respect for cultural rights should be guaranteed for all Turkish citizens regardless of their origin. Religious freedoms should be ensured. In order to bring the civil-military relationship into line with practices in the Member States, representatives of the National Security Council should be withdrawn from civilian boards.

When it comes to the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, although there have been clear signs of improvement, some problems remain. There are still reported cases of torture. We have also signals that human rights defenders are subject to judicial harassment. Religious communities continue to face serious restrictions that are not in keeping with European standards.

The Turkish authorities know that in order for the reforms to be credible, their effects should benefit all Turkish citizens in their daily lives. The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the reforms very closely.

Turkey sometimes argues that we expect more than from the other accession countries. This is not the case. Absolute perfection cannot be expected, but it is of crucial importance that Turkey shows that it has embarked upon an irreversible process. In this context we welcome the newly established Reform Monitoring Group. I also understand that a regular dialogue with civil society has been set up, which is a further positive development.

A Strengthened Accession Strategy for Turkey

For our part, last year the Commission put forward a Strengthened Accession Strategy for Turkey. We have intensified our dialogue with the Turkish authorities on political, economic and technical matters and are looking at ways of deepening and widening the customs union. We are also having regular, frank and fruitful discussions on Turkey's progress in meeting the Copenhagen political criteria. The Commission also proposed a substantial increase of pre-accession financial assistance for the next three years, which should reach €250 million in 2004, €300 million in 2005 and €500 million in 2006.

A revised Accession Partnership was also adopted last year. This document sets out the priority areas for further work as identified in our Regular Reports. Its purpose is to assist the Turkish authorities in their efforts to meet the accession criteria, with particular emphasis on the political criteria, and forms the basis for programming pre-accession assistance from Community funds.

The way forward

The Copenhagen European Council in December 2002 provided Turkey with a clear political roadmap. In October this year, my Commission will present its recommendation on whether Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria. Let me assure you that our recommendation will be based on an objective assessment. We will use the same criteria and methodology that has been used so successfully for all other candidate countries. If at the end of this year the European Council decides that Turkey meets these criteria, accession negotiations will be opened without delay.

Differences in public opinion

There are, of course, different currents of public opinion in both the EU and in Turkey. Not everyone in Europe is a strong supporter of enlargement, and not everyone in Turkey believes the country's future is in the European Union. Such a divergence of views is normal in a democracy. But the EU is strongly committed to supporting Turkey's efforts to prepare for accession. This commitment was reaffirmed in Copenhagen in December 2002 and again last month in Brussels.

This morning I inaugurated a new information Centre in Taksim, which I hope will help to raise awareness of European Union policies in Turkey. I also wholeheartedly welcome Turkey's own efforts to inform its public opinion about the EU.

Furthermore, we support Turkey's efforts to address the concerns of the European public. It is important that our citizens are better informed about your country. The Commission has already organised several seminars and initiatives in various European cities with a view to improving knowledge among the public about Turkey's prospects for EU accession.

The EU will benefit from Turkey's accession

We in the EU are aware of the important benefits that Turkey's membership could bring to the European Union. Turkey's political weight would undoubtedly add to Europe's capacity to act on world stage. Its geopolitical position as a hub between Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and its close relations with many of the countries concerned make it a key actor for stability, prosperity and peace. Turkey is also providing a strategic conduit for the supply of energy to Western Europe and the rest of the world.

As a strong democracy in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey has a vital role to play in a region bordering the reunified Europe that is marked by so many uncertainties. The country can also offer a substantial contribution to the European Security and Defence Policy with an effective military capability, including manpower, logistics and infrastructure. I would like to recall here that Turkey offered to participate in the Eurocorps a long time ago.

Turkey's European ambition is furthermore a valuable asset in countering dangerous pressures and arguments for creating dividing lines between the West and the Moslem world. In this context, Turkey's long experience as a democratic and secular country is a key factor. It is indeed interesting that some EU Member States are turning to Turkey's example when it comes to organising institutional dialogue between the State and the Moslem religious communities while respecting the principle of secularism.

Turkey's membership of the EU would also produce real benefits for the economy. Its young and dynamic population will contribute actively to the economic and social progress of the reunified Europe. At the moment Turkey's average per capita GDP is 20% of the EU average. However, if the Turkish economy continues to grow at the present rate, the gap will steadily narrow. A market of 70 million people with a strong industrial network and a highly qualified population could greatly contribute to Europe's competitiveness, as would of course Turkey's great natural resources.

The EU has to be prepared for Turkey

At the same time, the EU will have to examine whether it is ready for Turkey's accession. It is clear that the accession of a country with the size and population of Turkey would have far-reaching consequences for the workings of the European Union. This would fundamentally affect many policy areas and the functioning of the EU institutions. We would therefore have to reflect on how best to meet these challenges. We did the same when we embarked on negotiations with the Member States that will join in May this year.

Cyprus

Let me now turn to Cyprus. Let there be no doubt that the European Union is aware of the significance of this island for Turkey and its people. Many in Turkey still remember the bitter historical events that caused suffering and grievance. This awareness of history is what allows us to move on. It was the strength of the Franco-German reconciliation that made fifty years of European integration possible.

Why should the people of Cyprus not benefit from the same experience and pursue an irreversible process of reconciliation which would lead them to a future of peace and prosperity?

It is high time to end the outdated division of Cyprus and its capital city. The spontaneous, emotional and brotherly reunions of Turkish and Greek Cypriots after the opening of the border between north and south have erased the myth that peaceful coexistence between the communities in Cyprus is not possible.

Cyprus will join the EU on 1 May 2004. It would be a source of inspiration to us all if Turkish and Greek Cypriots were able to enter the EU together. We therefore call upon all parties to reengage in the UN-led talks without delay. The objective should be to reach a settlement on the basis of the Annan plan in time for a united Cyprus to accede to the European Union on 1 May 2004. The Commissions is ready to help find a speedy settlement.

I am convinced that securing a comprehensive settlement by 1 May would be in the best interest not only of all Cypriots but of the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole. A settlement would also greatly facilitate Turkey's membership aspirations and will clearly influence decisions to be taken in the second half of this year. Let me be clear, this is not a formal condition, but a political reality.

Conclusion

Turkey now has a unique opportunity to achieve its goal and consolidate its position as a free and democratic society in the community of European nations.

Let me stress that the European Union is, above all, a community of shared values based on the principles of liberty, democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. All these values are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In November last year, the Commission noted that Turkey had made further impressive efforts and significant progress towards meeting the Copenhagen political criteria. The European Council in Brussels on 12-13 December confirmed that this progress has brought Turkey closer to the Union.

Turkey's prospects for moving even closer to the EU depend, above all, on its own capacity to meet the Copenhagen political criteria, not only in law, but also in practice. These criteria were not invented for Turkey. They apply equally to all candidates. For our report next October, as in previous years, the Commission will apply the same principles to Turkey as to all other candidate countries. I guarantee that the report will be fair and objective.

We are moving closer to our goal, the goal of Turkey taking up its rightful place among the peoples of Europe, with shared principles, practices and ideals and a common future.