"Where are we in the EU Process?
It is not possible to say that a positive environment prevails in relations between Turkey and the EU. The main reason for this is, undoubtedly, the change in the EU’s attitude towards Turkey over the last few years. European Council at the Helsinki Summit in December 1999 declared Turkey a candidate “destined” to join the EU. The “Framework for Negotiations” approved by the Council in October 2005 does not, however, only underline that negotiations with Turkey are “open - ended,” it also emphasizes that Turkey’s accession depends on the Union’s “absorption capacity.” It talks about the inclusion of temporary and even permanent restrictions for Turkey in certain sectors, and sets a series of other conditions for membership. In short, the EU assumes no obligation to take Turkey in."
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