Written Answers. - EU Enlargement.
Derek McDowell
Ceist:
94
Mr. McDowell
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the Government's views on the proposed application by Turkey for membership of the EU; if he will insist that Turkey fulfils all the requirements of a democratic state before it can be admitted to membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17954/99]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:
108
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's attitude to the application of Turkey for membership of the European Union.
[17634/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 108 together.
Relations with Turkey are a matter of great importance to the European Union. The EU's formal relations with Turkey date back to the 1963 Association Agreement, and, following the decision taken in Luxembourg in December 1997 to enlarge the EU, Turkey has argued for the recognition of its candidature for membership. This question has been under discussion since that time and Turkey has firmly placed the development of its relations with the EU in the context of formal recognition of its candidature.
The main criteria for EU membership laid down by the Copenhagen European Council (the Copenhagen criteria) are: stability of democratic institutions, a functioning market economy, the ability to withstand competitive pressure and market forces within the EU and the ability to take on the obligations of membership.
The Luxembourg European Council of December 1997 confirmed that Turkey's eligibility for EU accession would be examined on the basis of the same criteria as for other applicant States. Ministers agreed, however, that Turkey had not yet satisfied the political and economic criteria necessary for the opening of accession negotiations.
There was a lengthy discussion of EU/Turkey relations at the informal ministerial weekend on 4/5 September. On that occasion, Ireland, together with the vast majority of EU ministers, expressed their wish to have the Helsinki European Council give a clear signal to Turkey by formally endorsing Turkey's candidacy for EU membership. Together with other EU member states, Ireland takes the view that the determination of application for membership of the EU should continue to be governed, as agreed at the European Council in Cologne, by the Copenhagen criteria. To fulfill these criteria, Turkey would have to accept democratic reform, an independent judiciary, recognise minorities and accept human rights norms and practices. Accordingly, recognition of Turkey's candidacy would be the first step on what may prove a lengthy road to possible eventual EU membership.
We are heartened by the positive steps under way in recent months in Greek-Turkey relations. I was happy that Foreign Minister Cem was able to participate in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on 13 September. We must continue with our endeavours to bring closer EU-Turkey relations.
