Commision presents a rigorous draft framework for accession negotiations with Turkey
The Commission proposed today a framework for negotiations with Turkey, and suggests to start negotiations on October 3. The Commission places greater emphasis than previously on Turkey’s expected “commitment to good neighbourly relations” and on its “obligations under the customs union”- a reference to relations with Armenia and other neighbours. Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Armenia and has closed their common border.
European Commission, Press release, 29/6/2005
Following the request of the European Council, the Commission today
proposed to the EU Member States a rigorous negotiating framework for
accession negotiations with Turkey. This document lays down the guiding
principles and the procedures for the accession negotiations, in line
with the conclusions of the European Council of December 2004 confirmed
by the European Council on 17 June 2005. The negotiating framework
shall be adopted by the Member States before the start of the
negotiations. Taking into account the concerns of the citizens, the
Commission today also proposed to launch a civil society dialogue
between the EU Member States and the candidate countries.
The European Council decided that talks can start with Turkey on 3
October 2005 provided it brings into force six outstanding pieces of
legislation. Turkey fulfilled this condition on 1 June 2005. Following
its own commitment, Turkey is also expected, prior to the start of
negotiations, to sign the protocol extending the Ankara Agreement to
the ten new Member States.
Presenting the negotiating framework Commissioner Rehn said: “It is
in Europe’s interest to have a stable, democratic, prosperous Turkey
that adopts and implements all EU values, policies and standards. The
opening of the accession negotiations is a recognition of the reforms
already achieved in Turkey. It gives this country a chance to
demonstrate, through a fair and rigorous negotiation process, whether
it is able to meet fully all the criteria required to join the EU. But
we all know that it will be a long and difficult journey and we have to
take into account the concerns of citizens.”
What are the principles and the procedures of the negotiations?
The shared objective of the negotiations is accession. These
negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome of which cannot be
guaranteed beforehand. While taking account of all Copenhagen criteria,
if Turkey is not in a position to assume in full all the obligations of
membership it must be ensured that Turkey is fully anchored in the
European structures through the strongest possible bond.
The Commission calls on the Council to foster a debate and
consensus among Europeans on the relationship between the EU and
Turkey.
The fulfilment of the political criteria[1] is a precondition for
the start of the negotiations. The Union expects Turkey to continue to
fulfil these criteria and to improve its record throughout the
negotiations. In case of a serious and persistent breach by Turkey of
the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which the Union is founded,
accession negotiations may be suspended.
The negotiations will be based on Turkey’s own merits and their
pace will depend on Turkey’s progress in meeting the ‘Copenhagen
criteria’.[2] In addition, commitment to good neighbourly relations,
support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus
problem within the UN framework, fulfilment of the obligations under
the customs union will be required.
Turkey will have to adopt the rights and obligations of the
European Union, and apply them by the time of accession, unless
transitional arrangements are agreed. Long transitional measures,
derogations, specific arrangements and permanently available safeguard
clauses may also be considered.
How are accession negotiations conducted?
EU legislation and standards are broken down into 35 chapters, and
negotiations will be conducted chapter by chapter. The Union will also
specify benchmarks for the provisional closure and, where appropriate,
also for the opening of individual chapters.
The Commission will closely monitor the fulfilment of the commitments made by Turkey during the accession negotiations.
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[1] Political criteria set by the Copenhagen European Council in
1993, later enshrined in Article 6(1) of the Treaty on European Union
and proclaimed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
[2] *the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule
of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
*the existence of a functioning market economy and the capacity to
cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union;
*the ability to take on the obligations of membership, including
adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union and the
administrative capacity to effectively apply and implement the acquis
communautaire.
*The Union’s capacity to absorb new members, while maintaining the
momentum of European integration, is also an important consideration in
the general interest of both the Union and the candidate countries.
Links:
europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do
