WIREDGOV

The Additional Protocol to the EEC-Turkey Association Agreement does not preclude the introduction, after its entry into force, of a visa requirement where the purpose of the visit is to obtain services

In 1963, Turkey and the European Economic Community, together with its Member States, concluded an association agreement1, the aim of which was to promote the continuous and balanced strengthening of trade and economic relations between the contracting parties, with a view to improving the standard of living of the Turkish people and facilitating the accession of Turkey to the Community. The agreement provides, inter alia, that the contracting parties are to be guided by the provisions of the EEC Treaty concerning freedom to provide services between Member States for the purpose of abolishing all restrictions on such freedom between the contracting parties.

The Additional Protocol to that agreement2, signed in 1970, contains a ‘standstill’ clause, which prohibits the contacting parties from introducing new restrictions on freedom to provide services with effect from the date of its entry into force.

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