LISBON, Oct 4 (AFP) - The next head of the European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso said on Monday he welcomed the idea of referendums in EU member countries on the issue of Turkey's possible future adhesion.
"If some countries decide to organise referendums on some stages of the process of European construction, I can only welcome this," Barroso told journalists here.
"That is the way democracy works. We have to accept debate," he said, adding that it was important to look for the support of the majority in order to reach a just decision.
On Thursday French President Jacques Chirac said he favoured changing France's constitution in order to require a national referendum on Turkey's bid to join the EU.
"The Turkish question is a very serious one. It is therefore very important that this decision (Turkey's EU adhesion) has the support of the other European countries," Barroso said.
"It is a mistake to assume that a decision of this importance can be taken against the will of Europeans," he added.
The European Commission is to publish a report on Wednesday on whether or not the European Union should agree to start membership negotiations with Turkey.
The commission is widely expected to give Ankara a green light while warning there is a long road ahead.
EU leaders will make a final decision on whether to open talks with Turkey at a summit in December.