Swedish FM: EU treaty has "no religious criteria" over Turkey's bid

PanARMENIAN.Net - European Union (EU) Term President Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt asked on Wednesday those opposing Turkish membership in the EU: "Did the enlargements to date take place because the public opinion wanted them?"



Participating in a debate on the future enlargement of the EU at the European Parliament (EP), Minister Bildt made comments to oppose those against Turkish membership and those who wanted to end the membership negotiations with Turkey and offer Turkey a privileged partnership instead of full membership.



As far as I can see, far right deputies are against Turkish membership in the EU due to its large population with a majority of Muslims. The Treaty of Amsterdam and its Article no. 49 does not bring any exceptions for big countries. This Treaty has no religious criteria, Bildt stressed.



Article 49 states that the EU is founded on principles of freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms. It states that any European country displaying respect for such principles may apply for full membership, Bildt also said.