The Swedish government announced that it would provide not only political but also financial assistance to reforms that have been fulfilled in Turkey on its path towards EU membership.

"Turkey's future membership of the EU remains the strongest incentive for further democratic reforms in the country. Through this new strategy, Sweden is strengthening its support to the development of closer relations between Turkey and the EU. The measures in this strategy will be an important contribution to the reform efforts needed for Turkey to fully meet the criteria for EU membership, particularly within such areas as democracy, human rights and gender equality," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

Sweden's development cooperation with Turkey is to help it achieve the goal of reform cooperation in eastern Europe: strengthened democracy, equitable and sustainable development, and closer ties to the EU and its basic values. The support will be targeted at areas requiring the greatest reforms before Turkish EU membership, and will be strengthened through a dialogue with Turkey on issues such as deeper EU integration, gender equality and women's participation in the democratic development of society, and freedom of expression. The needs of the least developed geographical regions of Turkey must be taken into account.

"Turkey is an important partner for Sweden in many areas, and Turkish EU membership is strategically important for the EU. Several challenges remain in the accession process, with a further need for reform in such areas as public administration and the legal system. Sweden is in a position to provide support in connection with these needs and can help strengthen civil society by supporting organisations working for the rights of minorities and other groups in need," continues Carlsson.

Sweden's broad commitment to Turkey also includes academic cooperation administered by the Swedish Institute. Grant programmes provide Turkish students with the opportunity to study human rights and European studies in Sweden. Swedish students are also given the opportunity to conduct 'minor field studies' in Turkey.

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