Gov't to strengthen EU Secretariat to step up reforms

As part of its attempt to speed up reform efforts towards EU membership, the government plans to remarkably strengthen Turkey's Secretariat General for EU Affairs (ABGS) with new staff and full authorization in all EU-related matters. Under the plan, the ABGS will have an overseas organization, and six EU counselors will be employed in foreign offices of the Secretariat General. Most of the new personnel to be hired by the ABGS will be appointed as assistant specialists for EU affairs. Also four new deputy secretary generals will be employed, and the secretary general of the ABGS will be given ambassadorial rank during his term of office. To streamline the negotiation process with the EU, the ABGS will have a centralized role in conducting accession talks with the Union. State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Egemen Bagis will assume a key role to steer the negotiation process.