Germany Renews Full Support for Turkey’s EY Membership

According to Bela Anda, a Spokesperson for the German government, Germany will vote to begin accession negotiations with Turkey at the EU December 17 summit if the EU Commission issues a positive progress report on Turkey on |October 6th.

On October 3rd, shortly before the Commission releases its report, Erdogan will fly to Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and receive the "Quadriga" award.

Verheugen speculated during a radio interview shortly after meeting with Erdogan that negotiations with Turkey would take 10-15 years. Verheugen said that Turkey cannot merely adapt Europe’s rules, but must successfully implement them as well.

Verheugen added that because of budget issues, EU would not accept Turkey as a full member until 2013. "Nothing is planned for Turkey until 2013. From there on, the road could be straight."

The future president of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, said yesterday, "We should maintain our persuasiveness. We told Turkey that if it fulfills some criteria, it could become a member or begin discussions with us. Today is the time to give Turkey a positive sign."