British Minister for Europe Bryant: "Turkey's membership will also benefit the EU"

Despite the efforts of some European countries, Turkey will not retreat from its European Union membership bid, State Minister and Chief EU Talks Negotiator Egemen Bagis said over the weekend. Speaking alongside Bagis in a joint interview on news channel 24, British Minister for Europe Chris Bryant added, "Both of us hope that Turkey will become an EU member. Turkey's membership will benefit the EU." On Bryant's remarks, Bagis said, "This voice should be heard from some anxious European capitals, such as Berlin and Paris." Stressing that Germany and France are trying to hinder Turkey, Bagis said that Turkey is making use of all the opportunities before it, citing its candidacy to host the 2016 European Football championship. "If the Turkish Football Federation manages to bring this championship to Turkey, this would send an important message to the EU."