EU’s financial assistance for Turkey would double

"There’s major progress in reforms but this momentum should definitely be maintained," he added.

The official said it would become clear in December 2004 whether Turkey has satisfied the Copenhagen political criteria. The EU is expected to decide on a date for starting accession talks with Turkey in December 2004.

"We are expecting accession talks to start in early 2005 provided that Turkey continues reforms in this fashion and meet political criteria. But let me say that technical preparation takes a long time," Bouteiller said.