The European Commission today issued a progress report on Turkey's readiness for the EU accession process.  Commenting on this report, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, (FDP,  Germany), Deputy Leader of ALDE and Shadow rapporteur on Turkey stresses that the EU needs to renew  positive dialogue with Turkey in order to show its full support for the accession process.

Alexander Graf Lambsorff said "The continuation of an enhanced political dialogue at all levels between the EU and Turkey is becoming increasingly important, in an enlargement process that tends to be highly technical and complicated. There is no doubt, Turkey remains an important neighbour of the European Union and deserves a respectful and constructive relationship"

This report is part of an "enlargement package" consisting of a global strategy document including progress reports for each of the potential candidates which assesses their achievements over the last twelve months and also sets out the goals and prospects for the forthcoming year.