By Daisy Ayliffe - 15th December 2006
The EU must not shut the door to Turkey, UK leader Tony Blair has told his European counterparts.
Speaking ahead of a trip to Ankara on Friday, Blair insisted Europe was still open to Turkish entry.
“It is important that we continue the process of accession with Turkey and that we do not shut the door,” he said.
“The EU has given a very firm direction in favour of enlargement provided of course the criteria are met.”
Blair used a meeting of European leaders in Brussels to argue the case for Turkish EU entry.
But he faced opposition from France and Germany who were keen to take a tougher line on wanabe entrants.
On Thursday night leaders backed plans to toughen entry criteria and expressed fears over Europe’s ability to absorb new comers.
But speaking on Friday Blair insisted the enlargement process remains alive and well.
“This is a very, very important moment for the EU,” he said.
“We have taken a clear decision but despite all the difficulties we continue with the process of enlargement.”
The deadlock over Cyprus that set back Turkish accession talks last week is set to top the agenda at talks between Blair and the Turkish prime minister in Ankara on Friday.
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