Luxembourg FM: Opening Turkey-EU chapter 17 ‘possible’

BRUSSELS – Anadolu Agency

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn. AFP Photo

Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, said on July 15 that opening the chapter on economic policy in Turkey’s bid for EU membership was a possibility.

Speaking at the foreign affairs committee at the European Parliament in Brussels, Asselborn said, “It is possible for Chapter 17 on Economic Policy to be opened soon.”

“We are expecting a new government to be formed soon in Turkey,” he said. “We will pragmatically and constructively strengthen EU and Turkey relations.”

Out of 35 chapters, 14 chapters have been opened and 17 remain blocked. Asselborn also said that there had been improvements in terms of the ongoing negotiations regarding the divided island of Cyprus.

The Cyprus issue remains a major political obstacle to Turkey’s accession to the EU. Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades resumed talks on reunifying the island following Akıncı’s election in April. Negotiations were resumed following a two-year hiatus in February 2013 but stalled in October last year after a row over mineral exploration around in the island.