EU-Turkey: Meeting with Minister Bozkır in Brussels

Brussels (12 February) – Commissioner Johannes Hahn met Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır in Brussels today. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and allowed for a diligent discussion of next steps for advancing in the accession process and enhancing cooperation to the benefit of the EU and Turkey.

Minister Bozkır reaffirmed Turkey's determination to move the accession negotions forward. Commissioner Hahn welcomed good cooperation with Turkey on the preparation of technical meetings on acquis alignment. While reiterating Commission's readiness to assist Turkey pursue accession negotiations, he stressed the need to advance, as a matter of priority, reforms in the areas related to the rule of law and fundamental rights. Commissioner Hahn and Minister Bozkır also discussed steps to enhance cooperation in the areas of mutual interest such as foreign policy dialogue, migration and visa policies, economy and trade as well as energy.