CIAO DATE: 04/05

Convergence of European Security Systems

Abstract

The decision of the European Council to start negotiations in 2005 for the entry of Turkey into the European Union constituted an important landmark in a long-term process, ongoing since 1963. This decision concerned full membership and not some lesser special relationship and made clear that Turkey would not be treated differently from other candidates for EU membership. Both sides recognised that the negotiations will take considerable time during which attention will be given to a monitoring process.

General recognition was given to the unprecedented progress Turkey has made, through its successive reform packages, in approximating its legislation to the EU 'acquis'. Some doubts were expressed on the level of implementation of the host of new measures, but these were alleviated by the fact that at least some ten years would be available for putting words into practice.

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