Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to European enlargement, with particular reference to the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26786/02]
Written Answers. - EU Enlargement.
Following the agreement at the Copenhagen European Council on 12 and 13 December 2002 to close negotiations with the ten acceding countries, signature of an accession treaty by the EU and these countries will take place in Athens on 16 April 2003. Following ratification of the treaty, they will become EU members on 1 May 2004. The aim is that the two countries that have not finished their accession negotiations, Romania and Bulgaria, will become members in 2007. If the European Council in December 2004 decides on the basis of a report and a recommendation from the Commission that Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen criteria, the European Union will open negotiations without delay.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 69.