Speech by Mr Olli Rehn
Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement
"EU and Turkey: ahead of a historical decision"
TÖBB-IKV Turkey Platform
Brussels, 10 December 2004
Let me first say that it is a big honour for me to give a talk here today not only in the presence of the Prime Minister of Turkey, but also of the European of the Year who happens to be the same person, following the award given by the European Voice!
It is also a great pleasure for me to address this session of the Turkey Platform. I would like in particular to thank the Foundation for Economic Development and the Union of Chamber of Commerce of Turkey for taking this initiative. Both organizations have indeed made an important contribution to the development of EU-Turkey relations.
The Turkish Civil Society Platform is an important forum, bringing people together from the EU Member States and Turkey. It facilitates discussion of concerns and perceptions in a frank and open manner.
We are undergoing a crucial period in EU-Turkey relations. Next Friday the European Council will take its decision on whether to open accession negotiations with Turkey. I am confident that there will be a positive decision which will follow the principles that have been set so far for Turkey, i.e. a decision without additional conditions or new rules for the start of the accession negotiations. If this happens, it will not be the end of the process, only the beginning. It will take time and require lots of efforts to reach the one and only goal we have in mind, which is full membership of Turkey.
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