2013 Progress Report Prepared By Türkiye Has Been Published

PRESS STATEMENT BY

MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU

MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR

ON

2013 PROGRESS REPORT BY TURKEY

(31 DECEMBER 2013)

The Progress Report by Türkiye is one of the most significant documents setting forth the Turkish Government’s determination in the reform process and the steps undertaken in all areas during 2013. This report was first prepared last year during the term of my predecessor, Mr. Egemen Bağış. I would like to thank Mr. Bağış who started this initiative which is significant in terms of reviewing the progress throughout the year in a holistic manner and planning the reforms for the forthcoming years.

The year of 2013 which was the 50th anniversary of the Ankara Agreement, has been a period in which Türkiye’s reformist character became more prominent and during which important developments have taken place in Türkiye-EU relations. First of all, the European Commission’s 2013 Progress Report on Türkiye, prepared with an objective and constructive spirit in comparison to the previous reports, ensured a more favourable atmosphere in Türkiye-EU relations. The 2013 Report of the Commission acknowledged not only the political reforms but also Türkiye’s economic success despite the global crisis, together with our progress in the alignment with the EU acquis.

Besides, the opening of the Chapter on “Regional Policy and the Coordination of Structural Instruments” on 5 November 2013 was a critical milestone in ending the 3.5 years long stalemate in the accession negotiations. Furthermore, high-level dialogue meetings were held on strategic sectors such as energy and transport and cooperation mechanisms in various fields have been further enhanced.

There is no doubt that this year’s most important development in Türkiye-EU relations has been the major step taken which paves the way for a visa-free Europe. The Visa Liberalisation Dialogue officially started with the signing of the Readmission Agreement on 16 December 2013, which is a crucial component of the visa liberalisation process.

The Progress Report by Türkiye should not be perceived as a reaction to the European Commission’s 2013 Progress Report on Türkiye. Our objective is to inform the public about Türkiye’s resolutely-continuing reforms in the most comprehensive and objective manner and to underline that the accession process brings about significant achievements, despite the difficulties encountered.

As underlined by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the EU accession process is the most significant modernisation project of Türkiye after the proclamation of the Republic. The 2013 Progress Report prepared by the Ministry for EU Affairs with a view to comprehensively and objectively reflecting the latest developments should be perceived as a sign for the Turkish Government’s determination for further reforms. I would like to sincerely thank all those who have contributed to this Report.

The 2013 Progress Report prepared by Türkiye is available on www.ab.gov.tr.

For the English version of the 2013 Progress Report prepared by Türkiye, please click here.