Sarkozy`s plan to end Turkey`s EU bid has officially kicked the bucket. The bill would require a national referendum on each country seeking accession to the EU whose population is greater than 5% of that of France. Of course, the bill is designed to exclude Turkey and protect the accession hopes of countries such as Croatia. For a bit of background, have a look at this post.

AFP reports that the bill ded in comittee. The following reason was given: “[the bill will] likely cause grave harm to diplomatic relations between France and this country.” Isn`t that the truth. That said, it is hard to imagine how French-Turkish relations could get any frostier.
 
So where does this all leave Turkey? This week, Turkey is 2 for 1 in its EU bid progress report. The opening of two new negotiation chapters and the French vote were two pluses. Ireland`s destruction of the Lisbon Treaty is a definite negative. The no-vote may cause further inaction and indecisiveness in Brussels, which will not benefit Turkey.
However, Turks are paying much more attention to the Turkey`s stunning 3-2 come from behind win over the Czech Republic than EU politics!