Die Beziehungen zwischen der Türkei und der Europäischen Union auf dem Weg zum Europäischen Rat am 17. Dezember 2004
The Relationship between Turkey and the European Union before the European Council Meeting on 17 December 2004

Summary/Abstract: The text represents a speech delivered by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs on 19 October 2004 in Berlin, on invitation of the Southeast Europe Association. Minister Gül sums up the relationship of Turkey and the EU two months before the decision of the European Council on 17 December 2004, concerning the commencement of accession negotiations with Turkey. The European Commission’s latest Progress Report confirms Turkey’s reform process to be successful by and large, above all in meeting the political criteria of Copenhagen. Concerning the ongoing debate on Turkey’s EU integration in Germany and other EU countries, the author is confident that Turkey’s potentials and merits will be considered in a fair and objective way. Turkey is aware that the process of negotiations with the EU will last many years and that its results will depend on Turkey’s own performance. Yet, Turkey’s aim is a full membership in the EU – any inferior status offered to the country instead is considered as unacceptable. After all, Turkey’s accession to the EU will be for the benefit of both sides.

• Details
• Contents