Today the European Parliament approved a report by Metin KAZAK (Mouvement for rights and freedom, Bulgaria) by a very large majority, recommending in particular the widening of commercial ties with Turkey, the 17th economic power in the world and the 7th most important commercial partner with the EU. "Our commercial relationship is important for both parties but each side must make efforts to overcome the difficulties", declared Mr. Kazak.

The report recommends enlarging the range of Customs Union which has linked the EU to Turkey since 1996. "It would be only fair that Turkey be more closely consulted by the European Commission in commercial negotiations with third countries. When the EU concludes a free-trade agreement, the products from a third country have free access to the entire territory of the customs union whereas Turkish products, unlike EU products, do not have access to the third country in question", said Kazak.

"Turkey is not however exempt from criticism in our relationship. We must put an end to administrative barriers to trade and discriminatory practices that for example, give an unfair advantage to Turkish companies in the area of public procurement compared to candidates from EU countries", added Kazak.

"Whatever one´s opinion about Turkey's candidacy for the EU, one must recognise that certain economic dossiers are in our common interest, notably energy supply. This is why the EU must reaffirm its support for the Nabucco pipeline project and without further delay, open the important energy chapter in the accession negotiations", concluded Metin Kazak.
For more information, please contact:
Neil Corlett: +33-3-88 17 41 67 or +32-478-78 22 84
e-mail: neil.corlett@europarl.europa.eu
Norbert Halko: +33-3-88 17 65 51 or +32-484-75.17.22