Luxembourg’s PM: We Shall Begin Talks in 2005

Luxembourg had opposed Turkey’s candidacy in 1997. This time, PM Junker –who is being considered as the next European Commission President- gave warm messages to Turkey, through Hurriyet.

He said that; I will be more useful to Turkey, as Prime Minister. Negotiations with Turkey will begin in 2005 when we are the EU President. However, the talks will be economic-oriented and very tough.

Jean C. Juncker, one of the leading politicians of the European Union said that the reform process in Turkey was impressive and the European Commission will likely decide on the negotiating date for Turkey in its progress report in the Fall. However he also warned that the negotiating process was not a definite path for membership.