In an effort to join the European Union, the Turkish government has announced it has agreed to return seized property to the country's religious minorities.

The Turkish government said it would return properties that have been seized since 1936. The list contains more than 150 Christian and Jewish properties. Government officials said Turkey would pay compensation for properties already sold.

Turkey says properties it plans to return include schools, hospitals, orphanages and cemeteries that once belonged to Greek, Armenian and Jewish groups and individuals.

The EU has pushed for Turkey to ease laws and restrictions based on religious affiliation, and eliminate religious discrimination against non-Muslims.

Less than one percent of Turkey's population belongs to religious minorities.