Signature of the protocol to the Ankara Agreement

The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn, stated on 30 July :

"Yesterday's signature by the EU - Presidency and Commission - and Turkey of the additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement is a welcome development. This will extend the EU-Turkey customs union to all new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus.

Together with the entry into force of six important pieces of legislation (which occurred on 1 June), the signature of the additional protocol was referred to in the conclusions of the December 2004 European Council as a step to be taken before the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.

The signature therefore should clear the way for the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey on 3 October, on the basis of the negotiating framework to be agreed by the Council, for which a proposal was presented by the Commission on 29 June. At the time of signature, Turkey issued a declaration, in particular relating to Cyprus, which the EU will examine carefully, for example, to see if there are any legal implications.

Our preliminary assessment is that the declaration does not call into question Turkey's commitment to implement the protocol, which is essential. It is particularly important that Turkey confirms its continued commitment to support efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem."

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• EU Commission President Barroso on accession negotiations with Turkey (3/10/2005)
• EU Parliament postpones vote on protocol to Ankara Agreement (29/9/2005)
• EU Commissioner Rehn on Ankara Agreement Protocol (21/9/2005)
• Commission presents draft framework for accession with Turkey (29/6/2005)
• Speech by Commissioner Rehn on Common future of the EU and Turkey (8/3/2005)