BARCELONA, March 15 (A.A) - The heads of states and governments and foreign and economy ministers of EU member and candidate countries started to discuss economic and social issues in Barcelona, Spain on Friday.
Issues of formation of a flexible labor market, European cross-border transportation network, privatization of electricity and natural gas markets, strengthening of financial market in Europe and improving the vocational standard of workers and education level of students will be discussed in the meeting in Barcelona.
The officials of EU candidate countries will attend the summit in the afternoon. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Finance Minister Sumer Oral will represent Turkey in the meetings.
The inclusion of EU candidate countries to ''EU's policies'' mainly ''Lisbon Strategy'' on development of information society will be discussed in the meetings.
Turkish officials said that the issue of developing employment closely concerns Turkey both in respect of the steps to be taken by Turkey in this field and also in respect of the Turkish workers living in EU member states.
Turkey constitutes a transit centre due to its geostrategic position between Europe and other regions, it was noted and added that Turkey is in a key point in respect of connecting energy and transportation networks to each other.
Prime Minister is expected to hold a news conference this evening before leaving Barcelona.
Meanwhile Spain declared emergency rule due to the EU summit in Barcelona. Tight security measures have been taken.