Turkish minister for EU Affairs, Omer Celik, is in Brussels, meeting with senior officials. After months of tension, Ankara is hoping to build bridges. Bulgaria, which currently holds the EU presidency, is also keen to work with Turkey on migration, counterterrorism and energy issues.
ADVERTISEMENTTurkish minister for EU Affairs, Omer Celik, is in Brussels, meeting with senior officials.
After months of tension, Ankara is hoping to build bridges. Bulgaria, which currently holds the EU presidency, is also keen to work with Turkey on migration, counterterrorism and energy issues.
Kati Piri is an MEP and the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey.
"I think 2019 is a crucial year where EU-Turkey relations are heading. The Turkish government has one year to prove to improve the situation internally, restore the rule of law in the country, normalise the situation and than perhaps we can continue discussions on how to move forward in the accession process".
Next year will see both European parliamentary elections and a general election in Turkey.
Turkey began EU accession talks in 2005 but negotions stalled in 2016 after Ankara cracked down on the alleged supporters of a failed coup.
An EU progress report on Turkey's membership bid is due in April.
Earlier this month Celik said Turkey would reject any offer of EU partnership that falls short of full membership.