It is expected that the issue of aid to Turkey will feature prominently at a two-day meeting of European Union finance ministers starting on Friday, even though the issue is not formally on the agenda, writes the Financial Times.

The EU finance ministers’ talks will be held at Malmö, Sweden. The meeting comes just two days after the Group of Seven biggest industrialised countries (G7) met in London and failed to reach agreement over Turkey’s request for external assistance to support its economic rescue package.

Germany has indicated willingness to help Turkey, but other countries are more reserved. The US, in particular, is divided on the question of assistance to Turkey – there is strong support by the State Department and deep reservations with the Treasury.

A further round of talks between G7 ministers is due to be held in Washington next week, but there are indications that financial help for Turkey will only be considered in the context of broader political questions. And any attempt to set explicit political conditions for economic assistance is likely to meet with opposition in Ankara.