Lagendjk comments on Turkey-EU relations

Joost Lagendijk, former joint chairman of the Turkey-EU Parliamentarians delegation, expressed concern that the European Union would lose Turkey. Joost Lagendijk noted that the EU was unfair towards Turkey about two things; blocking some of the negotiation chapters, and thus not allowing Turkey to work on them and the visa issue.  Underlining that the EU is more open to Balkan States about the visa issue, Lagendijk said Turkey should be provided more convenience about the visa issue. "Exercising control over the EU, the Prime Minister wants to get an answer. However, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization may not be the right alternative. Turkey and the EU should come together and set a road map." Expressing Turkey's disappointment, Lagendijk warned that it would be bad both for Turkey and the EU, if any progress could not be made next year. Lagendijk also pointed out that the EU needs Turkey to become a global actor. Lagendijk said that the year 2014 would be a turning point for two reasons; a new government will be elected in Germany and Europe will have made some progress on the Euro crisis. "There is an uncertainty about the EU's stance on Turkey. There was not much chance for Turkey-EU relations in Sarkozy's term, but this can change with the new president. On the other hand, post-election developments in Germany may also affect the process," Lagendijk said, adding that Austria and Cyprus oppose Turkey's EU membership and that it will not be an easy process.