ABSTRACT
After Copenhagen, Turkey and the European Union (EU) had, in theory and practice, two full years to watch each other in detail and to evaluate the mutual will to venture, in spite of all differences, into a truly joint political and economic future. The EU, enlarged by ten new Member States, was to be a completely different political entity by the end of 2004. It was still Gunter Verheugen's duty as outgoing Commissioner in charge of enlargement to prepare the decision foreseen in the European Council Conclusions of December 2002 on the start of accession negotiations with Turkey. The Conclusions of December 2004 welcomed the adoption of the six pieces of legislation identified by the Commission and called for bringing them into force. The Council joined the Commission in its assessment as to the sufficient fulfillment of the Copenhagen political criteria.
