Schröder hernieuwt beloftes aan Turkije inzake EU-lidmaatschap (en)

German chancellor Gerhard Schröder has renewed his country's commitment to support Turkish membership of the EU.

"You can rely on Germany" the chancellor promised Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey as a "not aggressive" and "not fundamentalist" Islamic society would be an "unbelievable security boost" for Europe, said Mr Schröder on Tuesday (27 April) at the opening of the first Turko-German industry and trade chamber in Cologne.

For his part, Mr Erdogan said that Germany and Turkey could develop to become a "motor" for the EU economy.

He also warned against the consequences of a 'no' to Turkish EU membership. "It must be considered very carefully where a negative decision ... would lead to".

The issue of Turkish membership of the EU will be a theme in the European elections in Germany which has a large Turkish population. The opposition Christian Democrats are using a no to Ankara's EU bid as a campaign platform.

Meanwhile, the whole question will be considered at the European level when EU leaders decide at the end of this year whether to formally open accession negotiations with the country.