Evaluation of Egemen Bağış Regarding the Conclusions of the General Affairs Council

MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR EGEMEN BAGIS’ EVALUATION REGARDING THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF 11DECEMBER 2012

12 December 2012

Conclusions of the meeting of the General Affairs Council has been issued on 11 December 2012. Regarding Türkiye’s EU accession process and Türkiye- EU relations, the Council has made the following statements which indicate that our government is on the right track in the EU accession process, as well as the steps to be taken in the forthcoming term. The Council:

• * Reiterates that, with its dynamic economy and strategic geographical location, Türkiye is a “key country” for Europe and recalls the fact that Türkiye contributes to the prosperity of the whole European continent,
• * Emphasizes that the EU process is a driving force for the reforms carried out in Türkiye and that it is for the benefit of both parties to accelerate the accession negotiations as soon as possible,
• * Expresses its determination to intensify the political dialogue between the EU and Türkiye, especially on foreign policy in areas of common interest,
• * Acknowledges the important regional role of Türkiye and draws attention to the active policy that Türkiye has been pursuing in its wider neighbourhood,
• * Emphasizes Türkiye’s role in Syria and welcomes its policy towards the Syrian refugees,
• * Takes good note of Türkiye’s determination in the political reform process and in this respect, welcomes a number of positive developments such as the establishment of an Ombudsman and a National Human Rights Institution, civilian oversight of the security forces,  measures taken in the field of women’s rights and gender equality, and the adoption of the third judicial reform package,
• * Notes with satisfaction Türkiye’s determination for the preparation of the fourth judicial reform package.

In the Council Conclusions, the progress carried out through the Positive Agenda has been appreciated.  The Council emphasises that Türkiye’s contribution to the EU would only be fully enabled in the context of a credible accession negotiation process. This statement demonstrates that the Council also recognises the unfair practices Türkiye faces. The Council reaffirms that the Positive Agenda is a temporary method.  We also believe that the aim of the Positive Agenda is to gain momentum in the accession negotiations and progress cannot be achieved in the negotiation process until the political blocks are lifted.

It is a clear contradiction that while the EU had decided unanimously to open Chapters 23 and 24 at the beginning of the negotiations and to set the opening of these two Chapters as a pre-condition for the opening the others, an EU member state blocks the opening of these chapters for Türkiye.  General Affairs Council (GAC) has criticized Türkiye on issues within the scope of these chapters, such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the freedom of expression and freedom of media. Criticizing Türkiye on the chapters for which the opening criteria have not been communicated is obviously not ethical.

On the other hand, stating that Türkiye is “one of the countries of origin” for illegal migration to the EU is a prejudiced assessment which does not reflect the reality. With its growing economic power, advanced democracy, political stability and its level of progress on individual rights and freedoms, Türkiye has become a country where people are happy and are proud to be living in. Besides, according to the most recent official statistics of some EU countries, migration from Türkiye to Europe is in a reversing trend.  In our view, connecting the visa issue for Turkish citizens directly with illegal migration from third countries and referring to the EU-Türkiye Readmission Agreement in this context is not the right approach.

The visa issue is a matter for Turkish citizens which makes them feel less European. Despite the rights stemming from our association agreement, Türkiye is the only candidate country for which the citizens are required to have a Schengen visa. Türkiye is determined to realize visa-free travel for its citizens. Within this framework, we expect the EU to prepare a fair and applicable Road Map for Visa Liberalisation for Türkiye. It is to the benefit of both parties to maintain the dialogue on visa liberalization through a positive approach that takes into account both parties’ concerns.

The stance taken by the Southern Greek Cypriot Administration once more at this Council meeting has negative consequences for the future of the EU. It is a source of disappointment for both Türkiye and the EU. The statements in the Conclusions on Türkiye’s statements and so-called “threats” with regard to the EU Presidency are definitely unfounded and unreasonable.

If the EU wishes to be a global actor and to honour its commitments, the EU should lift the political blocks in Türkiye’s accession process. The EU is a continental peace project built on universal values.  Türkiye’s membership will enable the EU to become a global actor contributing to world peace.

The truth cannot be hidden.  The reforms realised by Türkiye in the EU accession process cannot be disregarded simply because there are those in Europe who want to ignore the process in Türkiye.

Our Government is determined to pursue the reforms within the framework of the accession process. Under the principle of pacta sunt servanda, we expect the EU to demonstrate the same determination.