European Parliament is Divided on Turkey
Thursday, November 11, 2004 12:05 PM
The European Parliament will hold a vote on Turkey’s bid to join the European Union. There exist deep divisions within the parliament regarding Turkey’s possible accession to the EU, with many members of the parliament’s largest faction (the EPP) strongly opposed to opening accession negotiations. The president of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, will travel to Turkey to deliver the verdict. Mr. Borrell announced that the vote will precede the Council’s decision on opening negotiations with Turkey in December. He is calling for a ‘lively European debate’ and thinks it appropriate for the EU’s only directly elected body to express its opinions and conclusions. A vote on Turkey is expected to take place on December 2. Compiled from: Parliament President to deliver verdict on Turkey, euobserver.com, 4 November 2004.