Speech by Commissioner Rehn on 'EU and Turkey - ahead of a historical decision'

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.

Meeting the political criteria is one decisive step to start the engine. But to reach destination, Turkey, as any other candidate country, will have to fulfil two other accession criteria: the economic criteria, by which the country must guarantee a functioning market economy, able to withstand the competitive pressure from the internal market; and the criterion requiring full adoption and implementation of the whole set of EU rules and legislation, known as the acquis communautaire.

As you know, the decision of the European Council next week will be based on the European Commission's report and recommendation, which were published on 6 October. The Commission's message is clear: on the basis of the overall progress achieved, and provided that Turkey brings into force some pieces of outstanding legislation, the Commission considers that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the political criteria and recommends that accession negotiations be opened.

In the last few years, the Turkish government has shown a remarkable determination in its efforts to fulfil the political criteria. The European Union has played its part in this process. The decision to give Turkey EU candidate status in Helsinki in 1999 helped the country to embark upon a process of constitutional and legislative reforms.

In its 2004 Regular Report, the European Commission recognises the scope and significance of what has been achieved. In the sphere of rule of law, the reforms have introduced new legislation to improve human rights. Safeguards against torture and ill treatment have been strengthened, Fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, association, and assembly, have been expanded. Significant measures have been taken in the area of cultural rights and gender equality. Democracy has been strengthened, including important changes in civil-military relations. Turkey has ratified several key international conventions.

Overall, Turkey has made impressive progress on legal and political reforms. I am sure the Turkish government will maintain its efforts to pursue and consolidate this process. The momentum of reforms must be maintained and their implementation strengthened, once accession negotiations begin.

The Commission will continue to monitor closely the respect of the political criteria and provide assistance where appropriate.

As regards the economy, we have seen a progressive stabilisation and, recently, rapid growth. Although certain difficulties remain, there are strong signs of recovery. Inflation has been reduced to single-digit figures for the first time since the 1970s.

The work of Turkish Civil Society has contributed significantly to the comprehensive scope of the European Commission's assessment. The European Commission's reports have benefited over the years from the input of associations, NGOs and individual experts.

Civil society has played a crucial role in changing the political climate in Turkey. Civil society unanimously supported Turkey's entry bid. By and large, industrialists, trade unions, farmers, academics, media-representatives, non-governmental organisations and individuals supported the goal of a democratic, transparent and secular state, based on the rule of law and a strong and stable economy. The presence of Prime Minister Erdogan at today's meeting demonstrates that the Turkish government appreciates the key role of civil society.

In this context, I want to remind you that the Commission recommended a three pillar strategy aimed at both reinforcing and supporting the reform process in Turkey and guaranteeing the sustainability and irreversibility of this process. The pace of reforms will determine the pace of progress in negotiations. The third pillar entails a reinforced political and cultural dialogue, in which civil society should play a key role. EU citizens should get to know the modern Turkey better and Turkish citizens should get to know the requirements of EU membership better.

I ask for your input to conduct the dialogue. Associations, non-governmental organisations and the media should take the leading role in informing the public in Turkey about EU issues, and in informing the public in the EU member states about Turkey. We also want to encourage debate on sensitive areas related to the political criteria, such as cultural, minority and even religious matters. In the early months of next year we will bring forward specific plans to facilitate such dialogue.

We are in the threshold of a new chapter in EU-Turkey relations and in the modernisation of Turkey. In the course of the accession negotiations, Turkey will have to change and further reinforce the rule of law in all spheres of life, in order to meet the criteria of membership. A Turkey where the rule of law is firmly rooted in its society and state will prove that, contrary to prejudices, European values can successfully coexist with a predominantly Muslim population. Such a Turkey will be a most valuable crossroads between civilisations.

With these challenges in mind, I look very much forward to further dialogue and co-operation in the future.

Thank you.

| Haut |

• EP - Turkey - MEPs turn to give position following European Council (21/12/2004)
• EP - Turkey's prospects for EU membership (15/12/2004)
• The New European Union of 25 (6/5/2003)