[Umit]

Turkey Gets Green Light From Brussels

06.10.2004


The European Commission has approved starting EU accession negotiations with Turkey. According to a report published on Wednesday, Brussels backed beginning talks with Ankara but warned a long road lies ahead.

In a progress report presented to the European Union on Wednesday, the Commission recommended opening membership talks with Turkey, but left room for suspending or even breaking off talks at any point if unsatisfied with Turkey's progress.

The bloc's executive linked the success of negotiations with a series of stipulations such as progress on human rights and implementing outstanding reforms in the legal system.

"The Commission considers that Turkey sufficiently fulfills the political criteria and recommends that accession negotiations be opened," stated the report, which was endorsed by a large consensus among the commissioners.

The Commission refused to say when accession talks would commence, leaving the final decision to EU leaders at a December 17 summit.

If the European Commission's recommendation is approved by the 25 EU leaders at the end of the year summit, entry talks could begin in early 2005, capping years of lobbying by Turkish leaders who say their country could form a bridge between Muslim countries and Europe.

EU officials have also not given a concrete date for Turkey's actual entry. Most estimates, though, indicate that Ankara's road to Brussels will extend until well into the next decade, with 15 years the most likely target.

Read More:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,...349995,00.html

[goldielocks]

Does this mean that when Turkey joins the EU it's gonna bump up it's prices? Jeez when that happens I'm heading off to Bulgaria on hols!!

[Umit]

okey, i move to England then u move to Bulgaria, deal?

[goldielocks]

Why on earth would you want to move to England??? :razz:

Scotland is much cooler! :wave:

[Umit]

no, just kidding, honestly i am not sure to joining to EU, i dont know it's good or not for our economical conditions.

[goldielocks]

I know the Turkish economy is pretty bad isn't it? By joining the EU expectations are going to be very high. Thin of the salsry rises etc - your right it'll be a nightmare!

[Umit]

nope, i dont think so... EU should have precautions about that.

[goldielocks]

Isn't Turkey a self sufficiant state though?

Is the general concensus that most Turkish people want to join the EU?

[Umit]

yes, general concencus is joining the EU. But all of them think that they will be rich, at least they expect better economical conditions. But i dont expect that - i expect worst economical conditions.

But; EU should be great opportunity for Turkey to be more democratic. Military Forces will lost their importance in politics... thats perfect and democratic.

[goldielocks]

Yeah but it'll take time for them to be rich, they are not going to suddenly have lots more money in their bank account because Turkey has joined the EU!

I agree with the democratic side, I did find it very daunting the first time I was in Turkey as there were police men with guns everywhere!