– Following the results discussed in Athens on April 16, what political measures will Türkiye adopt for the country's accession to the EU in 2007?
Since Helsinki, Turkey has undertaken a comprehensive reform policy to align itself with the Copenhagen political criteria. This process will continue with further reforms, and we are confident that the Turkish legal system and its implementation can be made compatible with the Copenhagen criteria.
The start of negotiations for Türkiye's accession to the European Union will be decided at the end of 2004 by the European Council on the basis of the 2004 Progress Report.
Turkey views the political criteria for achieving European Union standards as an ongoing goal to pursue, even after becoming a member. Our government's objective is to secure a favorable opinion from the Commission in its 2003 Regular Report, confirming that Turkey has met the Copenhagen criteria, so that negotiations can begin by the end of 2004.
We are fully convinced that Türkiye's entry will not only be beneficial for our country but perhaps even more so for the EU.
-What will Türkiye contribute to the EU?
During the accession process, Turkish democracy and institutions have strengthened, and the economy has begun to generate high growth rates. These factors imply economic stability, with increased trade and investment opportunities for the EU.
Turkey's accession will contribute to increasing the EU's territory by 24%, its population by 17%, and its GDP by 5%. These figures, combined with Turkey's important strategic location, will grant the Union a more global status. Furthermore, it would also reaffirm its cultural diversity by contributing a predominantly Muslim population within a secular system.
– Where do political and diplomatic relations between Spain and Türkiye stand?
Relations between Spain and Türkiye are close and based on shared values and aspirations.
Türkiye greatly appreciates the support provided by Spain in its attempt to join the EU.
Being a member of the Union will allow us to consolidate the Mediterranean axis with the EU, which, thanks to Spain's efforts to direct the relationship between the Mediterranean and the Middle East towards the EU, will find great resonance in our country.
From an economic perspective, trade and investment between the two countries shows a notable increase that could reach even higher levels with Turkey's entry into the EU.
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