Turkish citizens are likely to be granted visa-free travel around Europe by next year despite a number of hiccups, according to a top politician. The deal, made in exchange for stopping the flow of migrants from Syria into Europe, offered a number of sweeteners including cash and freedom of movement. The trade-off was threatened with being piled on the scrap heap earlier this year, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted he would send migrants on to the rest of Europe.
But Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn believes that the controversy over the visa-free regime between the EU and Turkey may be settled early next year. He said: "Apart from the anti-terror laws, all points are currently solvable, which are a prerequisite for a visa-free entry of Turkish citizens into the EU."
Turkey, led by Mr Erdogan, has been attempting to join the superstate for several years - despite opposition from other EU members. But a new deal was drawn up that would allow Turkey membership on the proviso it would meet an extensive list of conditions. One stipulated that if Turkey helped to curb the flow of migrants into the bloc, its citizens would be granted visa free travel. However the plans came to a standstill after Turkey balked at softening its anti-terrorism laws, part of a list of criteria the country is required to fulfill by the EU. Turkey has said it cannot amend terrorism laws while it is facing increased security threats, but EU countries want to ensure Turkey cannot use those laws to target academics and journalists.
Mr Asselborn has said he is also optimistic about the anti-terror laws, adding: "But I think that by the end of the year or early 2017, a solution for the anti-terrorism legislation will be possible if the situation in Turkey calmed down and Turkey is willing to follow the rules of Europe."
With regard to the failed coup attempt by parts of the military in Turkey, Mr Asselborn was very self-critical - saying the EU did no properly understand the feelings of demonstrators. He said: ”We didn't fully recognise the depth of the wound, which was beaten into the public opinion in Turkey after the military coup. "The people who are taking to the streets against the coup have also demonstrated for democracy. We misunderstood this a little bit."
