Turkey to Face Tough Tests in 2004

The Cyprus discussions are due to start in February. Greek Cyprus’ full accession to the EU on May 1, 2004 is crucial to Turkey’s membership prospects. March 7 is also viewed as an important date, when Greece has its general election. The outcome of the election will affect both Turkey’s EU membership and the future of Cyprus. Whether or not Turkey’s membership discussions will start is dependent on a summit scheduled for December 10-11, 2004.

The first EU summit of 2004, on June 18 and 19, will give Turkey an indication of the December summit’s final decision about its membership. European Commission (EC) President Romano Prodi is expected to visit Turkey on January 15, followed by a visit by German Chancellor Gerhard Schröeder on February 23-24. The NATO summit in Istanbul will convene on June 25-26 with the leaders of 56 countries.