EU And Turkey Restart Accession Talks

by Ulrika Lomas, for LawAndTax-News.com, Brussels

02 April 2007

It emerged last Thursday that the European Union has re-opened the stalled accession talks with the Turkish authorities.

The second of the 35 negotiating chapters, concerning enterprise and industry, was opened last week, and the German EU presidency hopes to open a further three chapters before June, according to reports.

The negotiations stalled last year over Turkey's refusal to open its ports and airports to Cypriot traffic, a stance which, the Turkish government argues, has resulted from the failure of the EU thus far to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot part of the Island.

Although reports have suggested that the European Commission intends to proceed cautiously and at a measured pace with the negotiations, the Turkish authorities still appear intent on steaming ahead with planned reforms necessary, even in the areas blocked by the EU until Cyprus-related disputes are resolved.

In early March, Turkey's Economy Minister and chief EU negotiator, Ali Babacan revealed that the Turkish authorities planned to set their own pace for the reforms necessary to secure the country's accession to the European Union.

Mr Babacan revealed that there had been "huge disappointment" amongst Turkish citizens when the eight chapters in question were frozen over the Cyprus issue, and that the Turkish authorities had now developed their own priorities and deadlines, which will be outlined in more detail this month.

Reporting on the announcement at the time, the Turkish national media suggested that a January 1, 2014 accession date was likely to be proposed by the Turkish authorities, who are adamant that they will be ready to join the Union, once political obstacles such as the Cyprus situation and the opposition of France are overcome.

Speaking last week, Mr Babacan confirmed that this was still the case, announcing that the reforms would be proceeding "full speed ahead".

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