Deputy PM: Turkey is ahead of many EU countries in economic development

Turkey's economy is much more developed than that of some EU countries, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan has stated. According to him, some countries among 28 EU countries do not meet the criteria of this organization.

He also stressed that Turkey has achieved great success in many spheres for the last 11 years.

Deputy Prime Minister added that Ankara intends to continue the reforms in the Turkish economy.

The European Union is not ready to accept Turkey yet, Babacan said earlier.

According to him, at present Turkey is at the beginning of the process to join the EU, but this does not mean that Ankara is not ready to be a member.

Turkey's accession to the European Union has lost its attraction for the citizens of the country, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said earlier.

According to him, previously 75 per cent of the country's population expressed a preference for Turkey's accession to the EU, but now only 20 per cent show interest.

Earlier, it was reported that the Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bagis said Turkey may become an EU full member in the coming years if no artificial barriers are created.

According to him, Turkey has fulfilled 65 per cent of its commitments to the EU.

Official negotiations on Turkey's accession began in 2005. (Trend)