Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Wednesday that officials from the European Union and Turkey will resume talks next week regarding the update of the customs union between the two sides. Fidan stated at a press conference in Ankara, following discussions with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, that they agreed to resume customs union talks aimed at allowing goods to move between both sides without barriers. He added, "The delegations will start meetings from next week, and the pace of efforts will accelerate."
The customs union between the EU and Turkey came into effect in 1995, but it was limited to industrial goods and processed agricultural products. Varhelyi mentioned in an interview with Reuters that his discussions in Ankara helped identify areas where the EU and Turkey can work immediately, adding that full membership requires Turkey to take steps towards the rule of law and human rights. He noted, "We agreed to address the most important pending issues that we can actually tackle right now without updating the customs union, so our colleagues will sit together and start working immediately."
In response to a question about the likelihood of Turkey being included in the EU enlargement process for 2023, as set by European Council President Charles Michel, Varhelyi stated that the priority is to "change the atmosphere," after disagreements between Ankara and some member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus, have led to strained relationships in recent years.
