Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ambassador Volkan Bozkır’s Statement on the New European Commission

10 September 2014

MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR

AMBASSADOR VOLKAN BOZKIR’S STATEMENT

ON THE NEW EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Jean-Claude Juncker, who was nominated for Presidency of the European Commission at the European Summit in June 2014 and elected by the European Parliament on 15 July 2014, has officially announced the portfolios of the new Commissioners appointed for the next five years. The Commission is marked by a strong and experienced team with the appointment of five former prime ministers, four former deputy prime ministers and nineteen ministers.

In the new Commission, the title of the Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy has been changed as the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. The emphasis of the title on the accession process of the currently negotiating candidate countries is noteworthy. The change seems not to bring any changes in the organisational structure and competencies of the enlargement team.  Thus, Türkiye’s accession process and membership negotiations will continue in accordance with the existing rules and procedures.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the European Commission, which will take office at a period where significant decisions will be taken for the future of the Union. I wish the best for a successful term to the new Commissioners and in particular to Mr.Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, with whom we will closely collaborate in the coming period.