Turkey: All criteria met for visa-free travel to Europe
The country’s foreign minister says it was important for Turkey to retain momentum in EU talks
Turkey has met the required criteria to secure visa-free travel for its citizens to Europe, but the European Union says it has not yet met stipulations on personal data and terrorism, Turkey’s EU minister said on Thursday.
Omer Celik, flanked by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, made the comments to reporters in Brussels ahead of talks to “open” Chapter 33 of its European Union accession process, which covers budget policy.
Cavusoglu told CNN Turk that it was important for Turkey to retain momentum in EU talks. Turkey won visa-free travel for its citizens to Europe in return for agreeing to curb the flow of migrants to the bloc.
However, sticking points have remained over Turkey’s anti-terror laws, which some in Europe see as too broad.
The opening of Chapter 33 marks a modest step forward in Ankara’s accession process to Europe.
-
EU envoy to Turkey resigns after row with Ankara
Hansjoerg Haber was bitterly critical of Turkey’s conduct over the deal to reduce the number of refugees crossing the Aegean Sea to EU territory Middle East -
Turkey visa-free travel deal with EU stalls
Once Turkey has fulfilled the conditions laid down, the European Parliament would still have to give its approval to the deal Middle East -
EU official: Turkey makes progress in visa-free travel talks
Turkey must meet 72 conditions to get the visa waiver, and European Commission World News -
Turkey's EU minister says not hopeful over visa deal
Turkey’s EU minister said he was not hopeful about the prospect of realizing a deal with the European Union Middle East