Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Exchange of Views with Mr. Egemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for Europe and Principal Turkish Negotiator for EU Membership.

2:50 pm

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a final question on a different theme, although Deputy Mathews touched upon it. To what extent has the economic crisis in Europe influenced the views of Turkish citizens regarding membership of the European Union? When we attend COSAC meetings, the Minister's colleagues from the Turkish Parliament often make the point that the Turkish economy already meets the criteria for the fiscal compact and met all the criteria for the Stability and Growth Pact. What impact has the economic crisis in Europe had on attitudes in Turkey? I hope the process can move forward because I believe there is far more in common between Turkey and the European Union than there are differences. I hope Turkey's application can be reactivated and progressed under our Presidency. I again thank the Minister for attending and I ask him to respond to those final questions.

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