"Speech by Mr Olli Rehn
Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement
State of Play: Enlargement process
European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee
Brussels, 18 January 2005
3. Turkey
As you know, the European Council in December decided to open accession negotiations with Turkey. The European Parliament made an important contribution to this decision by adopting its report on Turkey just a few days before. The Commission has taken due note of the suggestions put forth in the Eurling’s report.
In the period prior to the start of negotiations on 3rd October, we will focus our efforts on implementing European Council’s conclusions. The Commission has presented the adaptation protocol of the Ankara Agreement to the Turkish Government, and we expect them to sign it as soon as possible. Once this is done, the procedure will follow its course, and the Parliament will be asked to give its assent.
In due course before the 3 October, probably in the summer, we shall present the proposals of our negotiating strategy, based on three pillars.
The first pillar is designed to support the reform process in Turkey. We will continue our regular monitoring and propose a revised Accession Partnership to spell out priorities to guide further reforms in Turkey.
The second pillar sets out the framework for negotiations. And the third pillar concerns the strengthening of political and cultural dialogue through civil society in Turkey and the EU.
We are opening a new chapter with Turkey, a chapter where the process is as important as the outcome. During the process, Turkey will have to change and reinforce the rule of law in all spheres of life. A Turkey where the rule of law is firmly rooted in the society and state would be a most valuable crossroads between civilisations."
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