Toetreding Turkije: samenwerking noodzakelijk voor beide partijen (en)

“The enlargement process must progress steadily and consistently, and based on performance. To achieve this, both parties must remain committed”, said Eniko Gyori, Minister of State for EU Affairs, at the European Parliament’s (EP) session, held in Strasbourg on 8 March 2011. The EP will vote on 9 March, on a resolution evaluating Turkey’s performance in 2010.

Speaking on behalf of the Council of the EU, Eniko Gyori said that Turkey played a key role in energy safety and regional security; and also in the promotion of the dialogue between civilizations, especially in light of the current events of the Mediterranean region.

Competition policy in focus

Speaking about the accession negotiations, Ms Gyori said “the Hungarian Presidency is committed to making progress on all chapters where progress is feasible”. The Minister of State highlighted that now the competition policy was in the centre of the negotiations. “I hope that our Turkish partners will continue their efforts and soon we will be able to register results,” said Ms Gyori.

“The Turkish constitutional reform of 2010 was an important step taken in the right direction”, emphasised the Minister of State. She added that now the most important task was to implement the reforms, in accordance with European norms and through the widest possible consultations, i.e. involving each political party and civil society.

Protection of fundamental rights

Ms Gyori underlined that Turkey must enhance the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly the freedom of expression and religion. Ankara should make further efforts in the field of property rights, trade union rights, rights of minorities, women and children, the fight against discrimination, for gender equality, and the fight against torture and inhuman treatment.

Referring to the Turkish-Kurdish relations and the areas in southeast Turkey, Ms Gyori expressed hope that the democratic opening and its continuation would soon deliver the expected results; which could finally lead to the region’s economic, social, and cultural development.

Settling relations with Cyprus

Talking about the relations between the EU and Turkey, Ms Gyori “deeply regretted” that Ankara still ignored repeated calls to apply the Association Agreement’s Additional Protocol, in its entirety and without discrimination. “This is an essential issue, therefore, the Council maintains its measures of 2006, which clearly affect the progress of the accession negotiations,” pointed out the Minister of State. Turkey has failed to normalise its relations with Cyprus, she added.

Ms Gyori welcomed the conclusion of the readmission talks between the EU and Turkey. Concerning the EU-Turkish customs union, she said it was high time for Turkey to finally deliver its commitments, including the removal of technical and administrative trade barriers, the protection of intellectual property rights; and the elimination of discriminatory measures. Ankara had to terminate every restriction which affects commerce and transport between EU member states and Turkey, reiterated the Hungarian Minister of State for EU Affairs.

In need of a European Turkey

In reaction to statements made at the plenary debate, Eniko Gyori said there is an agreement on “the need for a European Turkey, and that it is in our interest to promote this process.” The Minister of State added that the process is subject to conditions though, as Ankara has to carry out its obligations; and strive for good neighbourly relations. Ms Gyori recalled that the Council previously condemned the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians, in Turkey. The Minister of State said, Europe is now less adoptive than before; but concluded, “it would be a difficult moment for Europe, if Turkey lost its interest in the European Union”.