Turkey Pleased With Italy's Enlargement Policy

Turkey is hopeful with Italy's enlargement policy during its six-month EU term presidency although new European Commission chief bars any new EU members in the next five years, Turkish minister for EU Affairs said Monday.



EU Affairs Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, paid a visit to Rome today to hold first official talks since Italy took over the EU term presidency from Greece on July 1. 



Turkey is expectant that Italy will review and accelerate its EU accession process during its six month presidency term. Turkey wants Italy to support the openings of EU chapter 17- economic and monetary policy- chapter 15 on energy and chapters 23 and 24 on judiciary and fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security.



Cavusolgu, after meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, said he was pleased the enlargement, particularly with Turkey and the Western Balkans, was among Italy's priorities during its presidency term despite European Commission Chief, Jean-Claude Juncker's objection to enlargement.



Turkey began negotiations to join the EU in 2005 and has been working to implement the reforms needed for it to comply with the 35 negotiation areas that will secure accession.



So far, only 14 "chapters" have been opened while 17 still remain blocked.



 The European Commission will issue its 2014 progress report on Turkey in October.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Lazio