The chapter heading of environment has been opened as part of Turkey's EU accession negotiations at an intergovernmental conference in Brussels on December 21.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, State Minister and chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bağış and Environment & Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu represented Turkey at the meeting.
Foreign Minister Carl Bildt of Sweden, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, attended the meeting on behalf of the European Union.
Carl Bildt, Turkey's representing ministers and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn held a joint press conference in the wake of the meeting.
The Swedish Foreign Minister said that opening the Environment Chapter is a sign of improved relations between the 27-nation bloc and Turkey.
EU Commissioner Rehn said for his part that a new Chapter means that the European Union train is moving on the track.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu noted that opening of the Environment Chapter that is highly related with humans confirms Turkey's desire to increase the status of its people.
Touching upon the EU's visa exemption for Western Balkan states, Davutoğlu warned over a possible double-standard if the Union does not provide convenience for Turkey on the same issue after the country fulfills all the requirements.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also stated that the European Union is a strategic goal for Turkey and added it was disappointing that some member states unilaterally block Turkey's relations with the EU.
Also speaking at the conference, State Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış and Environment Minister Veysel Eroğlu underlined the importance of the chapter for Turkey.