Turkey needs 15-20 years for joining the European Union, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier stated, Yerkir Online reports. In his words, the official acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey is essential for the EU membership. Turkey's bid for the EU is not the issue of today and not the issue of the referendum on the adoption of the European Constitution to be held on May 29, but even if the membership negotiations open in 15-20 years Turkey cannot joint the EU without acknowledging the Armenian Genocide", he noted adding that according to the French Constitution a referendum on Turkey's EU membership should be held anyway. He also noted that that not the EU is aspired to joint Turkey but just on the contrary.