UK envoy: Turkey would greatly contribute to EU

ANTALYA

Turkey’s membership in the European Union would contribute greatly to both sides, the U.K.'s ambassador to Ankara said Friday.

"Turkey's accession process and the membership process are stalled at the moment. It's not going anywhere, and for now, it's hard to be optimistic," said Dominick Chilcott in an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency.

However, evaluating Ankara's decades-long negotiations with the 28-member bloc, Chilcott said conditions could quickly change at any time.

He stressed that the current lack of progress had nothing to do with Turkey's culture, size or geographical position.

"In principle, there is no reason why Turkey should not become a member state. It would be a very successful state of the EU, make a big contribution and benefit hugely from EU membership," he said.

Chilcott pointed out that Turkey was an indispensable and powerful ally of the EU but emphasized that both sides needed to make certain changes for the current partnerships to continue.

'Huge burden'

"With 3.6 million Syrian refugees and half a million refugees from other countries, Turkey carries a huge burden," said Chilcott.

"Everybody in the international community should be grateful for all the efforts Turkey makes," he said.

Chilcott underlined that the EU's current contributions were only a "small part of the cost Turkey already bears".

"It's for the politicians to discuss among themselves what the right amount is. It was the amount agreed between President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan's government and the European Union," Chilcott said.

"I am sure more help would be much appreciated here in Turkey," Chilcott added.

In 2016, Turkey and the EU signed a deal aiming to stem the flow of irregular migrants through the Aegean Sea by taking stricter measures against human traffickers and improve conditions for nearly 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The deal also allows for the acceleration of Turkey’s EU membership bid and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals within the Schengen Area on the condition that Ankara meets all 72 requirements set by the EU.

Turkey has long complained of the EU being slow to deliver the promised funds for refugees and failing to uphold its end of the deal concerning visa-free travel.

*Dilara Hamit in Ankara contributed to the story

Turkey has long complained of the EU being slow to deliver the promised funds for refugees and failing to uphold its end of the deal concerning visa-free travel.

*Writing and contribution by Dilara Hamit