On 12th September 1963, a Treaty of Association was concluded between the European Economic Community and Turkey and was enshrined in the law of 13th May 1964 . The treaty and the Additional Protocol of 23rd November 1970  pursue the long term aim of preparing Turkey for accession to the European Union by increasing the coordination of economic policy and creating a customs union (since 1st January 1996).

Article 41 Paragraph 1 of the Additional Protocol contains a standstill clause, which is worded as follows: “The Contracting Parties shall refrain from introducing between themselves any new restrictions on the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services.”

Mutual visa-free travel becomes soon a reality between the European Community and Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, Barbados and Seychelles – The Commission approves the draft Council Decisions on the signature and conclusion of short-stay visa waiver agreements with these six countries.

Greece must uphold all asylum-seekers’ rights" says Commissioner Hammarberg in a new report.

The situation of asylum seekers in Greece is critical. The authorities must urgently improve the asylum system, guaranteeing the full respect of international human rights standards. The problems in Greece also call for further efforts to coordinate European policies on mixed migration.

Why are there Community rules regulating the reception conditions for asylum-seekers?
The Treaty establishing the European Community specifically requested the Council to adopt minimum standards on the reception of asylum-seekers in Member States. This would be an integral part of the Common European Asylum System called for by the EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Tampere in 1999. Since then, asylum has been considered an issue to be tackled at EU level.