Summary: 27 May 2008, Brussels - Speech by Olli Rehn, EU Commissioner for enlargement, "Constructive dialogue and a spirit of compromise are key for the accession process" at the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee
Honourable Members of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee,
As a former member of a national parliament and the European Parliament, I appreciate the chance to discuss EU-Turkey relations and progress towards accession with you.
The EU-Turkey accession negotiations started in 2005, based on a decision taken by unanimity by all EU Member States. This was made possible by the substantial democratic reforms undertaken by Turkey, and the commitment of successive Turkish governments to pursue them.
Since 2005 we have made progress in the accession negotiations. Six chapters have been opened so far. We shall open two more during the Slovenian Presidency, namely Company Law and Intellectual Property.
Further progress depends on Turkey's ability to carry out further reforms. The 2008 Accession Partnership adopted in March provides Turkey with the necessary roadmap both on the political criteria and the alignment with the EU legislation. It is essential that Turkey works towards fulfilling these priorities and the benchmarks for the opening of new negotiating chapters. Concretely, seven chapters could be opened if Turkey met technical opening benchmarks. These chapters are free movement of
capital, public procurement, competition, food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary issues, taxation, social policy and employment, and environment.
Honourable Members,
EU-Turkey accession negotiations were never going to be a fast-track procedure. For Turkey, as for any candidate country, the road to accession has many pit-stops, where we can check progress in aligning with EU norms and standards, and prepare the engine to run better.
Let me recall one simple but absolutely fundamental principle of EU enlargement policy, which applies to any candidate country, including Turkey. The pace of negotiations depends on progress in legal and democratic reforms - and especially in their implementation.
In other words, the technical talks make up the walls and eventually the roof of the house, but the legal and democratic reforms constitute the very foundations of any EU member's construction. And, as every builder knows, one must first make solid foundations before putting up the walls.
The Commission noted the slow progress of political reforms in our 2007 progress report. This assessment was shared last week by the European Parliament, based on the report by Mrs Oomen-Ruijten.
Very recently, some legislative reforms have been adopted, but the agenda is incomplete. I welcome the new Law on Foundations. Moreover, the recent revision of the infamous article 301 is a step forward. However, what ultimately counts is the proper implementation of these new provisions, and to address other outstanding issues that restrict freedom of expression and freedom of religion in Turkey.
Reform of the judiciary is vital, to ensure its impartiality and independence. A well-functioning judiciary is of crucial importance for all candidate countries aspiring to join the EU.
It is needed to guarantee the rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of a market economy and proper enforcement of the EU legislation - that is, for all three Copenhagen criteria.
We encourage continued dialogue between the government and the judiciary, in the parliament, and in the civil society at large, to ensure a broad consensus for these reforms.
In addition, further progress is essential in such areas as cultural and linguistic rights, the rights of women and children, and the rights of trade unions. All in all, a renewed focus on EU-related reforms is needed, which should also assist in overcoming the current political crisis.
To give some examples, I regret the Law on Ombudsman has been blocked for two years by the Constitutional Court. We all know how important the ombudsman's function has been in EU member states to keep our public authorities accountable and to enhance citizens' rights.
The Parliament needs to move forward the legislation to upgrade the powers of the Court of Auditors to give the Court greater administrative and budgetary control, for example in auditing military property.
The Prime Minister's office needs to move forward the law on state aids, which has been stuck there since November 2003.
In administrative reform, the framework law that set the rules for the process of decentralisation was vetoed by the previous President, and the government needs to take up this issue again.
These examples give a sense of the various points where reforms have been blocked in the Turkish legal and political system. These blockages now need to be cleared, so that these reforms can ensure Turkey's transformation into an open and modern society, with full respect for freedom and democracy, diversity and tolerance.
Honourable Members,
The history of past enlargements shows that constructive dialogue and a spirit of compromise are key for the accession process to succeed. During our recent visit to Turkey, President Barroso urged both government and opposition parties to engage in dialogue, and to seek compromise on the sensitive issues dominating the domestic debate. Both secularism and democracy need to be defended.
The very existence of our Union rests on the basic values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights that we share among ourselves. They are the basis of the family spirit and the contract of marriage, as Jacques Delors put it, in which we Europeans have engaged ourselves in building our Union.
The Negotiating Framework spells out these values, and it is the Commission's duty to monitor them. The Commission's role in the accession process can be described as the friend who tells the truth - even if the truth is sometimes unwelcome in parts of the EU or Turkey.
Thus, we cannot be indifferent to what is happening in candidate countries, least of all on events that affect our shared democratic values. Certainly, the closure of political parties is not business as usual in the EU, and the outcome of any such case should be compatible with the democratic principles and the rule of law, including the guidelines of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.
We want to see Turkey move on by respecting European values. Turkey cannot afford another wasted year. We need to see progression, not regression, in meeting democratic principles and undertaking reforms.
Honourable Members,
Let me wind up with a few words about Cyprus. I welcome the meeting of the leaders of the two communities last Friday. Their joint statement shows that the process towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue under UN auspices is well underway. It is a positive sign that the leaders agree on the basic parameters of a united Cyprus as a "bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions". I am glad to note their agreement to consider
civilian and military confidence-building measures; and to pursue the opening of Limnitis/Yeşilırmak and other crossing points. I encourage the leaders of the two communities to continue their efforts to end the deadlock.
The EU stands behind a renewed UN process. We shall fully support both communities on the island to make the necessary compromises.
I trust Turkey will fully contribute to a solution. Reaching a comprehensive settlement will have an immense value to all of us who want to see an end to this 40-year-old conflict on a European soil, and it will certainly have a positive effect on the negotiations with Turkey.
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