France opposes Turkish EU membership
France would oppose Turkey’s entry into the EU “under current circumstances,” new Foreign Minister Michel Barnier told parliament today.
Barnier justified his stance by saying that Ankara did not adhere to conditions necessary for entry into the EU.
“Turkey does not respect the conditions, even if it is preparing to do so,” he said.
Barnier made his remarks after being questioned by MP Philippe de Villiers, who opposes Turkey’s entry into the EU and has made the issue central to his campaign for European Parliament elections in June.
The European Union is set to expand from 15 to 25 members in May. EU leaders are scheduled in December to announce if and when Turkey can open negotiations to join.
