Another historic enlargement of the European Union has moved a step closer following a commission decision to back the launch of membership negotiations with Turkey.

Commission president Romano Prodi announced on Wednesday that member states are to be urged to open the talks following a conclusion that 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.

Prodi warned that whether Turkey would join the EU "is not a foregone conclusion".

"There are risks that we must take on board, and that we also ask Turkey to take on board," he cautioned.

"However, we cannot imagine a future for Europe in which Turkey is not firmly anchored."

Foreign secretary Jack Straw welcomed the conclusions, saying enlargement had led to "the astonishing transformation of Europe".

"Turkey has undergone remarkable changes over the last few years, putting in place the extensive reforms the EU asked of it," he added.

"The EU must now deliver its side of the bargain. The European Council should agree in December to open negotiations without delay."

Yes, but...

In a statement, Prodi said the commission's "response as regards compliance with the criteria is positive, and it recommends opening negotiations".

"However, it is a qualified yes that is accompanied by a large number of recommendations on following up and monitoring the situation in Turkey, and some specific recommendations on the conduct of negotiations."

He added that the decision to begin talks was "inseparably linked" with the string of conditions Turkey will be required to meet before entry can be completed.

"Nothing has been concealed, covered up or distorted, neither the positive nor the negative aspects," Prodi said of the assessment.

"On the positive side, the whole of Turkish society has been committed to a very far-reaching reform process, particularly over the last few years.

"In short, as regards the essential documents on the organisation of democracy in Turkey - the constitution itself, all the internal laws and Turkey’s accession to the various international conventions, whose primacy over its domestic laws it now recognises - Turkey has reached the level required by European standards in such matters - or will do so once the new criminal code recently adopted by its parliament enters into force."

Warning that implementation of the changes would be key, he said the assessment was "positive, but at the same time cautious".

Prodi said it was important to "ensure that these developments really are irreversible and that they will be pursued to completion".

"We must take the time needed to make sure that all the important reforms adopted become day-to-day reality for Turkish citizens, both men and women," he added.

"And we must also tell our Turkish partners clearly and calmly that any breakdown in this progress towards democracy, human rights, fundamental rights and the rule of law as practised in the European Union will automatically bring negotiations to a halt."

Decision welcomed

Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew Duff, the vice president of the European parliament's joint parliamentary committee with Turkey, gave his backing to the decision.

"Both Turkey and the European Union are undergoing a profound transformation," he said.

"The Turkish government and parliament have committed the country to EU membership.

"The EU has already accepted the candidature of Turkey.

"Not to proceed now to accession negotiations would be a massive blow to the credibility of the union and would only bring comfort to the arch-conservatives and ultra-nationalists in Turkey who oppose the modernisation of their country along European lines.

Duff also backed "strict monitoring of the practical implementation of EU law, policy and standards as the negotiations proceed".