ANKARA
The meeting, which lasted an hour, was closed to press.
Earlier in the day, Fule and Turkey's EU Minister Egemen Bagis officially launched the Positive Agenda process, an initiative aiming at revitalizing Turkey's stalled accession talks with the EU.
The Enlargement Strategy Paper published last October by the EU Commission included the proposal of creating a "Positive Agenda" in Turkish-EU relations.
The EU Commission listed a wide range of areas as the main elements of this agenda such as intensified dialogue and cooperation in political reforms, visa, mobility and migration, energy, fight against terrorism, more Turkish participation in the Community programmes, sister cities, trade and the Customs Union and support for efforts to comply with the acquis.
The agenda also foresees informal talks and exchange of views between the Commission and Turkey on blocked chapters.
EU Commissioner Fule: Reforms on judiciary to be beneficial for citizens
EU's top enlargement official has said reforms in the area of judiciary and fundamental rights would bring remarkable benefits for Turkish citizens.
Turkey and EU officially launched Thursday the 'Positive Agenda' process aiming at revitalizing Turkey's stalled accession talks.
Within the scope of the initiative, working groups have been created to carry out technical studies on eight chapters in a bid to accelerate the process of Turkey's alignment with EU policies and standards.
The first working group initiated its studies Thursday on Chapter 23, 'judiciary and fundamental rights'.
Speaking at a press conference prior to the first meeting of the working group, EU's Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said, "It is not a coincidence that we start with this chapter. This chapter is very important since it covers judiciary and fundamental rights, and as such relates directly to the constitutional provisions and touches upon the upcoming constitutional reform."
Fule said, "Reforms and progress in this area would bring tangible results for all citizens of Turkey."
"I strongly believe, if we do all we can, results will follow. This will benefit, first and foremost, the citizens of Turkey and will contribute to the lasting improvement of this country's perception in our member states," he said.
Noting that a large number of political reforms were already underway or foreseen in near future by the Turkish government, Fule praised the efforts and determination of Turkish officials.
Expressing his appreciation over Turkey's intention to introduce the 4th judicial reform package, Fule said such package offered an excellent opportunity to address outstanding core concerns as regards freedom of expression, the right to liberty and security.
The Positive Agenda process, officially launched between Turkey and EU today, was included as a proposal in the Enlargement Strategy Paper published last October by the EU Commission.
The Commission listed a wide range of areas as the main elements of this agenda such as intensified dialogue and cooperation in political reforms, visa, mobility and migration, energy, fight against terrorism, more Turkish participation in the Community programmes, sister cities, trade and the Customs Union and support for efforts to comply with the acquis.
The agenda also foresees informal talks and exchange of views between the Commission and Turkey on blocked chapters.
