Turkey has already entered EU, Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for the EU talks Egemen Bakish was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency.
"During every visit to Europe, some people question me "When Turkey will became EU member?". I reply that regardless the organization wants it or not, Turkey is already its member," he said at a news conference.
He also said that presently Ankara holds talks to eliminate visa regime with several European countries.
Relations and cooperation between Turkey and the EU began with the signing of the Ankara agreement in 1964. EU said that the 2002 Copenhagen criteria are essential in Turkey's membership. The country carried out serious reforms in the legal, political and economic spheres in accordance with these criteria. Since 2005, the sides began formal discussions regarding Turkey's entrance to the EU.
Some experts say that although, over the past year Turkey became active in its policy towards Middle East and Caucasus, the country slowed its reforms to became EU member.