The only reason for an anti-Turkish reaction in EU member states is anti-US paranoia in Europeans. Rehn should be told to go "be fruitful and multiply, but not in those words." [bon mot lifted from Woody Allen]Rehn: US should not interfere on Turkey issueThe United States should not interfere with Turkish EU membership talks as the negotiations are a matter between Brussels and Ankara only, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has warned. US involvement could spark anti-Turkish reactions in EU member states, the commissioner said in an interview with Finnish television YLE. The Finnish Commissioner's comments come shortly ahead of a visit by US President George W. Bush to Europe in February... Last year, the US urged the EU several times to speed up membership talks with Ankara.
by Marit Ruuda
Jan 19 2004
Key part of EU Constitution may be changedIn a bid to ease French fears about Turkey membership of the EU and the voting power it would wield due to its size, the European Commission President told French daily Le Figaro on Wednesday that the rules may be changed... In order for a decision to be taken 55% of member states representing 65% of the total EU population are needed. By the time Turkey joins the EU, not before 2015, it is expected that its population will have outgrown Germany's - currently the biggest member state in the European Union... French voters are largely hostile to Turkey's EU membership... If the rules were to be changed, all member states would have to unanimously agree to it and it would have to be done before 2015 - the earliest possible date for Turkey's EU entry.
by Honor Mahony
Jan 14 2005