BRUSSELS / ISTANBUL
“Ankara and Zagreb look to be heading in opposite directions as the EU doles out advice
to former while welcoming the latter to the club”“Two countries intent on entering the European Union, Croatia and Turkey received contrasting news Dec. 9 from the 27-nation organization. As Zagreb signed its accession treaty with the bloc, Turkey received only mild criticism and advice from the EU despite its half-century wait
at the union’s door.The EU council’s draft conclusion circulated Dec. 9 is likely to disappoint the Turkish government as it includes criticisms on issues including Cyprus
and press freedom. Turkey’s accession process is at a standstill despite a robust economic performance that shines compared to many EU countries that have been struggling with a crippling debt crisis. Croatia is set to join the bloc July 1, 2013.”p.s. I think those bast... of the EU Council should be decapitated
