- Press & Information
- Press Releases & Statements
- 2008
- November
- No:190 - 5 November 2008, Press Release Regarding the Enlargement Strategy Paper Published Today By the European Commission (Unofficial Transmission)
No:190 - 5 November 2008, Press Release Regarding the Enlargement Strategy Paper Published Today By the European Commission (Unofficial Transmission)
The eleventh Regular Report on Turkey, published annually since 1998, and the Enlargement Strategy Paper outlining expectations regarding the future, have been published today by the European Commission.
The European Commission prepares similar reports on candidate and negotiating countries on an annual basis. These reports only include adopted legislation and implemented measures. They do not take into account legislation or measures under preparation. References to shortcomings, as well as to areas that require improvement, are in line with the mandate of the Commission in its preparation of progress reports. As such, shortcomings in legislation and implementation will continue to be included in future reports on Turkey until we become a full member.
This year’s report is structurally similar to those of previous years. The areas in which further improvements are expected appear in this report much as they have in the previous ones. Expectations which have been outlined in the previous report but not yet been realized may continue to be included in the subsequent report.
The purpose of the inclusion of some issues which may appear unfavorable should be interpreted as the identification of areas in need of attention and towards which efforts need to be channeled. Our views and points of clarification regarding the issues with which we do not concur will be conveyed to the Commission in due course as customary.
On the other hand, the Enlargement Strategy Paper, which is published as a common document for all candidate and negotiating countries, presents a general framework of enlargement and proposals for the ensuing stage in the process of membership for each candidate in accordance with the findings in the respective progress report. It therefore also includes a section on Turkey.
The Enlargement Strategy:
- as in previous reports, emphasizes accession as the objective of negotiations, and the consolidation of commitments of the EU, while underlining Turkey’s contributions to EFSP missions,
- expresses that Turkey continues to sufficiently fulfill the Copenhagen political criteria,
- extends the message that Turkey needs to give a new impetus to political reforms,
- states that Turkey’s strategic importance in some key areas is increasing, and in this context, brings to the forefront Turkey’s importance regarding energy security, conflict prevention and resolution and the role it plays in the Middle East and South Caucasus in terms of regional security,
- specifies that the reforms undertaken in Turkey and accession negotiations have made it a stronger force for stability in the region,
- this year, for the first time, describes Turkey as a functioning market economy in terms of the Copenhagen economic criteria.
We welcome the references to the strategic importance of Turkey’s accession for the EU.
Membership to the EU is a strategic aim of our country. Turkey’s commitment to the objective of integration with the EU dates back 50 years and remains strong. We are fully determined to implement the political and economic criteria that will allow our people to attain the highest standards in all fields. The Turkish people and the public support we enjoy continue to encourage us towards this end.
Turkey is continuing with determination its endeavors to fulfill both the political criteria as well as the EU acquis within the framework of the 33 chapters that relate to all facets of life.
Indeed, Turkey has realized important reforms during the last nine month period.
In the Turkish Grand National Assembly, 30 pieces of legislation have been adopted regarding alignment with the EU acquis and political criteria during the 2007-2008 legislative year. The new Foundations Law and the Law Amending Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which are among these pieces of legislation, have entered into force. We have also made progress in the area of implementation.
We are in the final stages of completing the National Programme, which we have been working on for some time. The draft National Programme, which has been published on the internet and opened to public scrutiny, has been shared with 87 civil society institutions and political parties. The Commission has also been informed about it. Our efforts are continuing with a transparent and participatory approach.
Our President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs have underlined the importance of Turkish-EU relations on various occasions; they have also stressed the significance of undertaking the necessary steps for the process to go forward.
Turkey will continue to fulfill its commitments as regards the accession process. However, the EU also has responsibilities. As regards the enlargement process, it is essential that the EU acts not with a short-sighted perspective but rather focuses on its principle founding philosophy, in other words on peace, stability and attaining the status of a global power.