Over the past 8 years I have been involved in 3 EU financed projects to get Turkey ready for membership of the EU. And there is another due to start. And that is in one small part of the EU aquis. Now I don't know when Turkey will become a member, but I imagine political considerations will outweigh formal needs (just like Romania and Bulgaria) . If they don't come in it will not be down to the UK which has always been one of the countries pushing Turkey to be allowed to join. The Germans and France do not want them in due to potential impact on moslem balance within the EU. Whatever - Cameron is a lying toad. (p.s. if we are to stay in the EU I would be delighted if Turkey joined. Marvellous country).