31 March 2004
Prominent Europeans establish Independent Commission on Turkey

A group of distinguished European policy makers have formed an Independent Commission to examine the challenges and opportunities presented by Turkey’s possible membership of the European Union. The Commission is made up of Europeans who have previously held high positions in public office. Members include former Heads of State and Government, Foreign Ministers and European Commissioners. The Commission will meet regularly during the coming months before presenting a report on its findings in September 2004.

Martti Ahtisaari, former Finnish President and Chair of the Independent Commission, stated ‘We hope this Commission will contribute to a more rational and balanced debate. Our Commission could play an important role in bridging differences over Turkey’s possible accession.’

The nine Commission members are: Martti Ahtisaari (Finland); Kurt Biedenkopf (Germany); Emma Bonino (Italy); Hans van den Broek (Netherlands); Bronislaw Geremek (Poland); Anthony Giddens (UK); Marcelino Oreja Aguirre (Spain); Michel Rocard (France). Martti Ahtisaari will act as Chair of the Commission. Albert Rohan, former Austrian Secretary General of Foreign Affairs will act as Rapporteur for the Commission. The Commission is supported by the British Council and the Open Society Institute.

The forthcoming decision by the European Council on accession negotiations with Turkey has caused an intensive public debate in most parts of Europe, raising many and sometimes highly emotional arguments against Turkish membership of the European Union. The Independent Commission will address these arguments and explore the potential benefits and challenges of Turkey’s membership. The Commission will not cover matters currently under review by the European Commission as part of its Progress Report for October 2004.

British Council Brussels is acting as secretariat for the Commission. For more information, contact Julia Smith, Press Officer, British Council Brussels (julia.smith@britishcouncil.be), t: +32 (0)2 227 08 46, mobile: +32 (0)485 25 24 31.