EU Draft Concerning Specific Difficulties Regarding Turkey’s Accession

A diplomatic source has said that the Commission’s recommended text includes points to be included within the framework. The Commission’s recommendation released on October 6th 2004 stated that the framework of the negotiations should reflect the specific difficulties regarding Turkey’s accession. One of the difficulties related to Turkey’s accession is overcoming the preconditions for opening talks regarding the economy.

The EU argues the view "In order to start negotiations with Turkey on some economic subjects requires the existence of a functioning market economy." Turkey, however, insists that it already has a functioning market economy. Annual economic consultation meetings held between Ankara and Brussels will now be held more frequently and Turkey will try to explain its position here. Turkey will also be asked to fulfill legal obligations stemming from the Customs Union in meetings before the start of membership negotiations.

In a third document that will be prepared on Turkey, the issue of strengthening the dialogue between Turkey and the EU will be handled. The EU will focus on the subjects of dialogue between different cultures, religion, immigration, terrorism and concerns about minority rights. Forums will take place where people from Turkey and the EU member countries will gather and discuss these issues. Non governmental organizations (NGOs) will be expected to play a large role in this process.