Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Ireland is supportive of Turkey's candidacy for EU membership and its accession when it fulfils all the established criteria and conditions of membership. Our overall approach to EU enlargement is positive. The broadening of the Union helps to promote stability, security and prosperity across the Continent. In some cases, the process of preparing for membership can stimulate and bolster economic and political reforms. Respect for the values set out in the treaties, rigorous conditionality and the need to take account of the capacity of the EU to integrate new members have to be factored into the process. Accession is the result of negotiation. The eventual outcome and timeframe in respect of any application cannot be predicted. These factors shape the Government's supportive approach to Turkey's candidacy.

Potential gains to the Single Market and to trade may accrue from the accession of a country of Turkey's size. Given that its economy grew by 9% last year, Turkey is a significant economic and political player. The Union's reach and influence in the Middle East and central Asia could be enhanced through Turkish accession. The pace of progress on Turkey's application has been slow. A number of obstacles to progress continue to exist. Just 13 of the 35 negotiating chapters have been opened. The current Hungarian Council Presidency is making a significant effort to have the chapter on competition opened before the end of June. A significant constraint on progress is Turkey's continued failure to implement the Ankara Protocol, under which it would open ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus, and to normalise relations with Cyprus. This issue is tied up with the unresolved Cyprus problem. We support the UN-sponsored negotiations that are attempting to establish a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement. The reforms within Turkey that are required under the accession process are proceeding, albeit more slowly of late in part due to upcoming parliamentary elections. The accession negotiations continue to provide a strong incentive for Turkey to pursue reforms, strengthen democracy and human rights and further modernise the country.

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