LUXEMBOURG
European Union (EU) approved to open a new chapter on Turkey's negotiations after three years.
In the joint meeting of European Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg, it was stated that "EU council settled on opening the 22. chapter on regional policies and coordination of structural means".
The conference between Turkey and the governments will take place after EU commission prepares the progress report in October and publishes it. EU foreign ministers will endorse the common position document on the chapter and will decide on the date of the accession conference.
Fule welcomes decision
Moreover, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule said he welcomed the agreement of EU General Affairs Council on opening chapter 22.
On his official Twitter account, Fule wrote "Welcome agreement to open chapter 22 and on common position."
He welcomed the decision by the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council regarding Turkey's negotiation process with EU on opening of talks on "Regional Policy."
Fule also noted that an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to be held regarding the next Progress Report on Turkey saying "IGC to be scheduled after Progress Report with the confirmation of common position at same time."
An IGC is the formal procedure in the EU for negotiating amendments to its founding treaties. In line with the treaties, an IGC can be called by the European Council gathering representatives of the member states, with the Commission, and the Parliament also participates to a lesser degree. IGCs conclude with a meeting of the European Council where any political issues requiring solution at the level of Heads of State or Government.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also announced earlier on Tuesday that "EU General Affairs Council decided to open chapter 22 in accession talks with Turkey."
Making a press statement in Ankara, Turkish FM Davutoglu added any postponement was out of question for the decision which was taken by EU General Affairs Council.
Ireland, Lithuania show support for opening of 22nd chapter
Foreign ministers of EU's current term president Ireland and next term president Lithuania urged to proceed with Turkey's EU accession process on Monday.
Speaking to journalists prior to the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore said they would discuss the opening of the "Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments" titled 22nd chapter although it wasn't on the agenda.
"I hope we will reach an agreement in relation to the chapter," Gilmore said.
Germany offered Monday to open the regional policies chapter with a few months delay, after it blocked the planned chapters' opening on June 26.
Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius stated that he believed in protecting all the efforts put in Turkey's EU accession process adding that they would put all necessary effort to support this process during the EU term presidency of Lithuania.
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt emphasized it was more important to agree on opening the chapter rather than the timing of the opening conference.
Calling on EU members to open the 22nd chapter, Bildt said this way the EU would give an important signal that it kept the door of EU open to Turkey.
"The vast majority" supported the opening of the 22nd chapter, Bildt added.
