THE 11th MEETING OF INTERNAL COORDINATION AND HARMONIZATION COMMITTEE

The 11th Meeting of Internal Coordination and Harmonization Committee (IKUK), headed by Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, was held at the Ministry for EU Affairs.

During the meeting which was held with the participation of EU permanent contact persons from public institutions, the works currently being carried out within the scope of Positive Agenda and the activities of the working groups established within this scope, and the progress of Turkey in terms of the harmonization with the acquis were addressed.

In his speech during the meeting, Bagis stated that Turkey’s determination to make reforms and boost life standards of its citizens was continuing with a strong will. Indicating that Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) had been working to adopt reforms almost 24 hours a day without any break, Bagis reminded that the 3rd Judicial Reform Package had been adopted by TGNA the day before, and he continued his speech as follows:

“Each article of this judicial package brings Turkey a step closer to EU standards and each is intended for steps needed to be taken by Turkey in the EU process. Therefore, here I’d like to raise a claim against people who don’t want to understand Turkey’s determination to make reforms. Currently, the most reformist state mechanism in Europe, including the EU member states, is the Republic of Turkey.”

Reminding that the Positive Agenda process was started, Bagis said that this process put forward Turkey’s importance for the EU, as well. Pointing out that there was nothing like Positive Agenda in the history of the EU, Bagis noted that this process was established only for Turkey for the first time and that this was a clear sign of Turkey’s determination, power and will in this respect.

Bagis said: “It is a will put forward by Turkey and the EU not to stop the relations because of the so-called Term Presidency of Greek Cypriot Administration which is not recognized by Turkey. We establish working groups on eight different chapters blocked for political reasons. We witness those steps, which cannot be taken over past 30 years on visa issue, have been taken. We remove obstacles in order to be able to delegate Turkish citizens in the EU Commission. We realise some works to provide Turkey more opportunities to benefit from EU funds.”