Your Say

If you would like to contact Jonathan with any questions or concerns relating to Wales in Europe, you can contact him by sending him an email with your issues or concerns.

News Archive 2004

06/10/2004
Turkey should be able to join EU

The European Commission has today recommended that negotiations on EU membership be opened with Turkey.

EU leaders have pledged to decide whether to open negotiations with Turkey at the end of this year and the Turkish Government has since made concerted efforts to meet the required conditions.

Jonathan Evans MEP, Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, said: "It is right that Turkey, as a reliable Western ally, secular democracy and market economy, should be given the opportunity to bind herself more closely to Europe. The Commission's recommendation should pave the way for EU leaders to agree that membership negotiations with Turkey are opened next year.

"Of course this will only be the start of the process. It is likely to be at least 10 years before Turkey accedes to the EU. We recognise the concerns that many have, particularly over the free movement of workers and issue of human rights in Turkey. These must be addressed. The question of Turkey's future EU membership simply reinforces the need for EU change.

"We expect the Council to support the Commission's position and to take a positive decision in December to open negotiations."

back to news page