As Turkey's European Union (EU) accession process gains momentum following the agreement on a refugee action plan, according to statements made to Daily Sabah on Wednesday by a senior official, "the year 2016 is set to be a golden year for Turkey in terms of visa liberalization and EU accession if the Cyprus negotiations are finalized successfully." The official said that the 3 billion euros of EU funding is close to completion, as it had previously been delayed due to problems from an EU member state, but it is projected to resolve soon.

The official said: "500 million euros from the 3 billion euros is coming from the EU's budget and will be used immediately to fund Ankara's existing projects and meet the needs of the Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Turkey. The remaining 2.5 billion euros is coming jointly from EU member states." Underlining that Ankara may also receive additional funds after the 3 billion euros according to demand, he said that the government has identified projects and assessed the needs of Syrian refugees. Regarding how the 3 billion euros will be allocated, the senior official said that 10 experts – five from Turkey and five from the EU – have been assigned to address the matter.

Commenting on EU relations and the accession process, the official said: "If you were to ask me about our relations a year ago, I would tell you that relations were primitive. However, due to the increasing refugee crisis, European Council President Donald Tusk visited Turkey in September and we were able to evaluate how the refugee crisis has impacted the EU. Thus, the EU has made a proposal to us without our request and made certain requests that include increasing support for the Syrians, participating in summits and the visa matter."

"We are approaching EU relations in a realistic, optimist way."

With the second EU-Turkey Summit to be held on Feb. 18 fast approaching, the official said that while Turkey approaches relations in a realistic way, officials are still optimistic. He continued to stress that Ankara has the upper hand regarding visa liberalization due to the agreement made with the EU. "Though the EU is committed to fulfilling its promises regarding Turkey's visa liberalization, Turkey has the upper-hand against the EU in the matter. If visa liberalization is not realized, Turkey has the right to dismiss the Readmission Agreement," he said. Commenting further on visa liberalization, the official said that it will not interfere with Turkey's own visa requirement policy.

Regarding the five chapters that are expected to be opened this year, sources have said that Ankara and Brussels are holding talks on Chapters 23, 24 and 26. As part of increasing talks, on Jan. 25 the highest representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, Federica Mogherini, and European Commissioner Johannes Hahn are coming to Turkey.