European Commission president Romano Prodi announced yesterday that member states are to be urged to open accession talks following a conclusion Turkey meets the initial entry criteria.

The 25 EU heads of government will take a final decision when they meet at the end of this year, with the commission's recommendation expected to carry substantial weight in their deliberations.

Even if a final green light is given to Turkey's membership, however, the process of bringing Turkey's laws and institutions into line with EU standards is expected to take around a decade.