Brussels, 16/12/2004
Because Turkey's accession is one of the greatest challenges for Europe in the coming years, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling on the European Council, on 16-17 December 2004, to open negotiations on Turkish integration into the European Union, in line with the criteria defined at the Copenhagen EU Summit.
The ETUC has had Turkish trade union organisations among its affiliates since 1985, and has always supported them in their struggle for the re-establishment of democracy and trade union rights.
Since the beginning of 2003, the Turkish Government has considerably accelerated and intensified its reform efforts, thereby demonstrating its determination to fulfil the conditions laid down by the European Council in Copenhagen. It is these efforts that the forthcoming European Council must take into consideration. The negotiating period will have to be used profitably to strengthen social rights, trade union rights and the laws governing associations.
The ETUC Executive Committee, on 13-14 October 2004, adopted unanimously a resolution calling for Turkey's accession to the EU. At the same time, the Executive Committee specified that the opening of negotiations after the December Council should be a means of reinforcing progress towards guaranteeing full respect for human rights, and in particular the rights of minorities.
Turkish integration is a challenge, but it will confirm that the EU is capable of extending its reach and drawing strength from the diversity of its Member States, and from respect for the opinions and beliefs of each one.