EU opens economic talks with Turkey to revive membership bid

[webfact]

EU opens economic talks with Turkey to revive membership bid



BRUSSELS: -- As part of the EU’s move to seek Turkish help in tackling the continent’s migration crisis, Brussels has opened further talks on Ankara’s long-standing bid to join the 28-member bloc.

Negotiations have stalled for years, but now officials are discussing the EU’s financial and economic rules.

A Turkish delegation was in Brussels on Monday to kick off the talks.

“Opening a chapter after two years is quite a symbol, i think. How close and positive EU-turkey relations are essential. the challenges we are facing, like terrorism and migration require more forward looking constructive relations,” said Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Turkish foreign minister.

The opening of the so-called chapter 17, one of 35 in the EU’s membership talks, aims to eventually bring Turkey’s financial and economic rules in line with those in the EU.

Ties between Brussels and Ankara have been frosty in recent years owing to difference on human rights, media freedom and the status of Cyprus.

While Europe has turned to Turkey for help in stemming the migratory flow, the country is already hosting 2.2 million Syrian refugees.

It also says the international community has failed to deliver on financial pledges in the past.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-12-15

[John1012]

So the perfidious EU is holding talks with a country that is indirectly supporting ISIL , with the plan being to admit them to the EU. Open borders for Moslem johadists , entering Turkey, getting false papers, entering Europe. Lovely.

[joebrown]

If Turkey ever gains EU membership it won't be long before the 'begging bowl' comes out and another Greek style bailout is needed. Turkey has no natural resources and very little industry. It is a major financial disaster waiting to happen.

[Scott]

A post which violates Fair Use Policy has been removed. Please only quote the first three lines of an article and then a link.

[Grouse]

Turkey will NEVER be allowed in.

However, it's good to give some hope if you want something in return.

I would offer them all the help they need short of actual assistance!

[Ulic]

Surely this is just lip service.

[Srikcir]

Turkey would be a great addition to the EU, especially when compared to Greece.

[Baerboxer]

Turkey would be a great addition to the EU, especially when compared to Greece.

Yeah right. A country fast slipping into dictatorship with a presidential family allegedly involved in illegal oil deals with terrorists and supporting the terrorists by allowing the flow of recruits and arms across it's borders. A secular country fast moving towards becoming an Islamic Republic. A country that illegally invaded Cyprus, an EU member and still illegally occupies part of the country. A country that has sent an expeditionary force into Iraq, against the wishes of Iraq. A country that has allowed people trafficking into EU and is only willing to stop it if you pay them.

Yep - great addition to the EU.

[Usernames]

Turkey would be a great addition to the EU, especially when compared to Greece.

Yeah right. A country fast slipping into dictatorship with a presidential family allegedly involved in illegal oil deals with terrorists and supporting the terrorists by allowing the flow of recruits and arms across it's borders. A secular country fast moving towards becoming an Islamic Republic. A country that illegally invaded Cyprus, an EU member and still illegally occupies part of the country. A country that has sent an expeditionary force into Iraq, against the wishes of Iraq. A country that has allowed people trafficking into EU and is only willing to stop it if you pay them.

Yep - great addition to the EU.

Apparently, the prospect makes Merkel jump with joy. If anything that big and boxy can be said to jump.