European Union and Turkey can make progress regarding the customs union between the EU and Ankara, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday.

His remarks came at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"It goes without saying that we want to advocate the further development of the customs union and we hope that we can make tangible progress on this issue soon," Scholz said.

In late December, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the European Union was avoiding dialogue with Turkey on visa facilitation and the renewal of the customs union. Turkey, an associate member of the European Union since 1964, applied for EU membership on 14 April, 1987. The negotiation process for its accession to the EU began on 3 October, 2005. In order to join the union, Turkey must successfully complete negotiations with the European Commission on 33 of the 35 negotiating points (two do not require agreement). EU countries must then vote unanimously to grant Turkey membership in the European Union.

On 6 July, 2017, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on EU countries and the European Commission to suspend accession talks with Turkey until its authorities amend the constitution. In April 2017, a referendum on Turkish constitutional reform was held, resulting in significantly expanded presidential powers.

Over the past four years, Brussels and EU member states have repeatedly stated at different levels that Turkey's actions contribute to its alienation from the European Community and called on Ankara to determine its position, TASS reported.