Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pushed back Sunday against perceptions that Türkiye had lost momentum in its European Union bid, telling representatives of civil society organizations that the country's accession goal remained firmly intact.
Erdoğan described the EU path as a strategic priority, arguing that membership would bring Türkiye's citizens higher living standards while also contributing to stability across the broader region and the world.
He noted that accession negotiations formally opened on 3 October 2005 and that a preliminary screening exercise covering 33 policy areas had been completed. One negotiating chapter had been opened and closed, and officials were working to advance additional chapters. More than 2,000 civil servants from relevant agencies took part in the screening work.
The prime minister said the process was designed to bring Türkiye up to the highest standards in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and that public backing would accelerate the reforms. He credited non-governmental organizations with playing a meaningful role in the progress achieved so far.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.