Finse premier: lidmaatschap Turkije niet van de baan; slechts tijdelijke vertraging (en)

1.12.2006 PRESS POINTS   

Prime Minister Erdogan and I have just discussed the situation of Turkey's EU-accession process. The atmosphere of the discussions was very constructive. I am glad that we had this chance to meet in Ankara.

We have to remember the basic facts:

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  Turkey is and remains a negotiating candidate country, a European candidate country negotiating full membership. We value Turkey's European vocation.

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  We are committed to Turkey's EU membership. Turkey belongs in Europe. Turkey's membership is in the EU's long-term strategic interest.

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  EU membership negotiations are always very demanding. All negotiations have their ups and downs. There is nothing dramatic to it.

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  I am convinced that the present situation is a temporary setback. However, the Commission's recommendation should allow work to go on. Further progress in the accession negotiations depends on Turkey.

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  And in the end, this does not need to mean a delay to Turkey's membership. If there is a slowdown now, the pace can speed up later.

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  There is no train crash. Turkey's accession is on track. Speed may be slowing for a while, but the end station remains the same. 

My visit here follows the discussions the Finnish Presidency has been holding over the past few months, with the objective to find a solution that would have enabled Turkey's accession process to continue without obstacles and would have improved the situation of both communities in Cyprus. We did not try to resolve the Cyprus question which can be done only under the auspices of the United Nations.

We appreciate the constructive approach of Turkey in these talks with the Finnish Presidency. Unfortunately, on Monday after discussions with both Cyprus and Turkey at Foreign Ministers' level we came to the conclusion that under present circumstances no agreement could be reached.

The EU is now looking at the question of Turkey's accession process and how to continue it.

During the last years, Turkey has made significant progress in political reforms. The Commission has reported that this year the pace of reforms has slowed, but Turkey has still made progress.

The acute question in the negotiations concerns Turkey's obligations related to the implementation of the Additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement. This was the main issue of our discussion also today here in Ankara.

As stated in the declaration of the EU in September 2005, the EU expects Turkey to ensure full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol. In other words, Turkey should open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels. In its Progress Report the Commission has noted that Turkey has not fulfilled this obligation.

It is important to understand that the current problem is limited to Turkey's contractual obligations towards the EU. 

The Commission has been asked to prepare a recommendation. The recommendation is based on the EU's decision during the presidency of the United Kingdom, when Turkey's accession negotiations were opened.

The Commission issued its recommendation in good time before a decision needs to be made. This was in order to leave more time for preparations.

The Presidency is bringing the matter to the Council for a decision. The decision will be taken in the Foreign Ministers Council on 11 December.

The member countries have expressed different views on the issue, and a consensus is needed for a decision. The Presidency's role during the remaining week is to find a solution acceptable to all. We will do our best to that effect.

To sum up, there will be no train crash. Turkey's EU train will not be derailed. The speed is only slightly reduced for the time being.