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BRUSSELS - European Union leaders agreed Thursday to open talks with Turkey next year on eventual EU membership, despite widespread misgivings across Europe about admitting such a large, poor and mostly Muslim country.
The 25 EU leaders will propose Oct. 3 for the starting date of the talks, which are expected to last for years. Turkish officials had no immediate reaction, and Ankara had suggested a start date in April.
After the announcement, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the EU meeting site late Thursday, presumably to discuss the proposal with key leaders. Erdogan made no comment as he entered the building.
"Tonight the European Union has opened its door to Turkey ... making a balanced offer," said Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission. "I genuinely believe this is an offer that Turkey should be glad to accept."
The prospect of Turkish membership has split governments and public opinion across the continent. Critics fear that opening the door to a populous, mostly Muslim country would profoundly alter the 25-nation bloc's European and Christian character at a time when many Europeans are questioning multiculturalism.
For their part, the Turks have warned the bloc against imposing too many onerous conditions. Many Turks fear membership would threaten their own Muslim traditions.
The decades-old dispute over the divided island of Cyprus could be a stumbling block. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Turkey would not accept recognition of the Greek Cypriot-led government as a condition for the talks.