A PARTICULARLY turbulent period in European politics will commence today when EU foreign ministers give their response to Turkey’s refusal to recognise Cyprus before starting membership talks.

The dispute over Turkey, which has grown increasingly acrimonious during the summer, is one of many engulfing the EU and threatening to swamp Britain’s six-month presidency.

In addition to overseeing the start of Turkey’s entry talks next month, Tony Blair faces disputes over the EU’s seven-year budget, the fate of the European constitution, the future of the European social model and the EU’s trade battle over textiles with China.

At the meeting of foreign ministers in Newport, Wales, today, Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, must bridge deep splits over Turkey’s prospective membership.

Britain supports Turkey’s application, but several states, in particular France and Austria, are increasingly sceptical about admitting a predominantly Muslim nation of 70 million people after French and Dutch voters plunged the EU into crisis by rejecting the European constitution.

EU governments agreed yesterday to respond to Turkey’s declaration in June that it would not recognise Cyprus, an EU member, before starting entry talks. Turkey recognises the north of the island, which it occupies with 35,000 troops, but not the Greek southern half.

It issued the declaration when it signed a customs union with the EU’s 25 member states, the last hurdle before talks can start. France and Cyprus have demanded clarification of Turkey’s position.

Dominique de Villepin, the French Prime Minister, said recently that it is not conceivable that Turkey would start entry talks while refusing to recognise one of its members.

Today’s EU declaration is expected to insist that Turkey’s unilateral statement must not affect the implementation of the customs union. Turkey has an effective blockade of Cyprus and refuses to allow Cypriot boats and aircraft to use its ports and airports.

In most EU countries, the majority of people oppose Turkey’s membership, which they fear will lead to a wave of Islamic immigration and make the EU unworkable.

The Austrian Government increased the pressure on Turkey yesterday, calling for an “economic partnership” instead of full membership, similar to Iceland’s position.

Angela Merkel, the German opposition leader tipped to become Chancellor at the election in a fortnight, also opposes Turkey’s membership and has called for a “privileged partnership”.

Britain faces other difficult disputes that reflect fundamental disagreements over the EU’s direction. Britain and some other countries want a looser, more free-market union, while others, such as France, want closer integration with higher levels of social protection.

The issue will be at the heart of a special informal summit of EU leaders to discuss its so-called social model next month. The summit was called by Mr Blair when he proposed a period of reflection over the EU’s future after the collapse of the European constitution. Most EU countries still want to push ahead with the constitution but have not yet worked out a way to overturn the French and Dutch “no” votes.

The dispute over the EU’s future has also stymied agreement on the EU’s €1,000 billion (£684 billion) seven-year budget. France insists that Britain’s rebate be scrapped, but Britain has said that it will scrap the rebate only if the Common Agricultural Policy is curbed and priority given to other industries.

In addition, many richer EU nations want to freeze the size of the EU budget, while many of the poor nations, particularly in Eastern Europe, have insisted that the budget be increased to help to promote economic competitiveness and cohesion.

The Government is also watching with concern the worsening row over Chinese textile exports, fearful that it might sour relations at the EU-China summit in Beijing on Monday, where Mr Blair will represent the EU.

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