Avrupa Komisyonu üyesi Olli Rehn,Türkiye-AB 61. Karma Parlamento Komisyonu'nda konuştu.

Olli Rehn
EU Commissionner for Enlargement

Turkey's path towards the EU-progress through reforms



EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee
Brussels, 31 March 2009



Chairman, Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a honour to be here once again in your company, especially at the present time when the elections in Turkey have just passed.

Three and a half years ago, the EU and Turkey further strengthened our relations by starting accession negotiations in October 2005. By now, we have made steady progress with 10 chapters opened and one closed.

Today, let me underline that the Commission remains fully engaged in Turkey's EU accession process. We will continue to support Turkey's aspiration to join the European Union, and to press for progress in the accession negotiations, respecting the rules that have been agreed.

However, the main "fuel" of the accession process remains reforms in Turkey. The pace of negotiations depends on the pace and intensity of the reforms. Provided the necessary reforms go ahead in time, we can make progress under the Czech Presidency and open further chapters.

The local elections have consumed a lot of energy, as elections tend to do. Now that the people have cast their votes, it is time for Turkey to focus again on reforms. I read that the Prime Minister has promised some bold moves. I can only encourage you, across the political spectrum, to practise what you preach on EU accession, and pursue the reforms needed for this common goal of ours to materialise, by passing relevant laws and supporting their due implementation on the ground.

These reforms that enhance fundamental freedoms, reinforce the rule of law and anchor democratic secularism, are first and foremost in the interest of the Turkish people.

Let me first recall once again the importance we attach to freedom of expression, the bedrock of any liberal democracy. Last year there was positive development as the infamous article 301 was revised. We are monitoring its implementation and will present an assessment in the context of the next enlargement package.

Unfortunately certain recent developments bring me back to this topic yet again. I'm thinking this time of freedom of the press, in particular the recent procedure launched against the Doğan press group.

Let there be no misunderstanding: one thing is a tax dispute between the State and a private company, and obviously the Commission cannot and does not intend to interfere in this. Another thing is the lack of any conciliation and a financial sanction which challenges the economic viability of an independent press group. This clearly touches upon freedom of expression, which is the cornerstone of any open society.

I understand there is a legal procedure ongoing; the Commission will follow this very closely, keeping in mind the principles of proportionality, impartiality and independence of the judiciary.

Turkey needs also to make significant further efforts to guarantee that women's rights are fully respected in practice. Women's participation in the labour market, political representation, education for girls, and violence against women are all areas to which the Turkish authorities and the civil society will need to pay more attention to.

I welcome the establishment of a special committee of the Turkish Parliament devoted to gender equality. I trust that it will contribute to delivering concrete results.

We would also welcome developments in other areas of the political criteria, such as religious freedoms. For instance, the re-opening of the Halki seminar would be widely perceived as an important step towards greater tolerance vis-à-vis other religious communities. The Commission also follows closely the ongoing case as to the Mor Gabriel monastry.

Tolerance in general cannot be instructed from above, but authorities can lead by example. A development towards more tolerance in the society would be helpful also to other minorities, whatever their nature.

Let me also come back to the constitutional framework governing political parties, following the closure case of AK Party last year. It is now time that Turkey takes the necessary steps, including changes in the Constitution, to align Turkey's legislation with the guidelines of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and European best practices. This is essential to respect the Copenhagen criteria as to their democratic principles, as well as to the reality of democratic secularism.

Finally, and in view of the opening of further chapters such as social policy and employment, it is important that you, distinguished members of the Turkish Parliament, reform the Turkish legislation in line with EU and ILO standards. This also includes the right to strike for civil servants.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2009 is going to be an important year for Cyprus. We trust that all involved will do their utmost to help contribute to a comprehensive and viable settlement on this 45 year-old conflict on European soil.

In this context I call on Turkey to put all its weight and support to the UN-led process. A comprehensive settlement will not only end a long and divisive conflict for all people in Cyprus, it will also prove to be an enormous catalyst for Turkey’s progress towards Europe. In the short, in the middle and in the long run, everybody really stands to win – and it must be clear that the status quo is not an option.

Turkey and the EU have a long-term strategic bond. Stability in the Southern Caucasus, peace in the Middle East, security of energy supplies, fight against terrorism and the economic recession are all issues on which we have common interests. Moreover, they are issues that we cannot solve or deal with alone.

The EU stands stronger with Turkey weathering these challenges. And Turkey gains in strength and credibility with the EU in its back. We need Turkey – a huge country in terms of people, politics and economics – to reform and to become our closest ally in these endeavours.

Thank you.