Background:

The relationship of the European Union (EU) to its new eastern and southern neighbors is

important for the EU existence and credibility. The possible accession of new members

especially Turkey to the European Union (EU) will dramatically change the political,

economic and social set up of the European Union. Turkey’s accession to the EU will

extend Europe’s boarders to unstable and undemocratic Middle East countries like Iraq,

Iran and Syria (Dinan, 2005, P156). Major pressing issues about Turkey’s accession to

the European Union range from economic, demographic, geographical, political and

human rights.

One commonly raised point is Turkey’s population. When Turkey joins the EU, Turkey

would become one of the most populated member state by 2015 (Nas, 2004, p.4).

Turkey's current population is 71 million, and is expected to increase to 80-85 million in

the next 20 years (EU, 2004). This compares with the largest current EU member state

Germany, which has 83 million people today, but whose population is projected to

decline.

Another argument is rooted in the debate on whether it is possible to establish geographic

borders for Europe, and whether Turkey 'fits' within these borders (Dinan, 2005, P.143).

Perhaps the most sensitive of all arguments centre on the cultural and religious

differences. Since the EU identifies itself as a cultural and religiously tolerant society,

Turkey's EU bid should not be compromised by cultural differences.

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The EU member states' concerns over Turkey's human rights record as well as global and

regional security-related issues have also been key factors behind Turkey's prolonged

application process (Phillips, 2005, P. 86-97). Luxemburg Prime-Minister Jean-Claude

Junker referred to Turkey as “A country in which torture is still a common practice

cannot have a seat at the table of the European Union”.

In “Clash of Civilization”, Samuel Huntington describes Turkey as a “torn Country”.

Huntington (1993), referred to “Torn Countries”, as those that “have a fair degree of

cultural homogeneity but are divided over whether their society belongs to one

civilization or another” (p.42). Huntington (1993), argued that Turkey is a torn country

which since the early 1920s has been trying to Westernize in order become part of the

West, though its culture and tradition is different from the Western (p.42). Turkey’s

leaders have greatly supported turkey to transform to Western Civilization, but some

Turks prefer Turkey to remain a Muslim society. According to Huntington (1993),

Turkey being a predominantly Muslim country and the West being Christian, Turkey will

never be accepted as a European Country (p.42).

Turkey started its effort to join the European Economic Community in 1963 by signing

the Ankara Association Agreement in 1963. In 1987, Turkey filed an application for

membership to the European Community but was rejected by the European Economic

Community (Dinan, 2005, 156). Kirisci (2005) asserted that some EU members argued

that even if Turkey was granted membership for a single day, it was not ready to meet EU

member’s standards and obligations (p.2). However, this argument has been proven

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wrong by Turkish politicians. Turkey initiated reforms over the years and has managed to

accomplish a great deal of success economically and politically.

In 1995, the EU suggested for a Customs Union with Turkey which came into effect

in1996.Custom duties on goods from the E.U. countries were removed and the European

Union’s Common External Tariff for third countries was introduced. Turkey’s effort to

integrate in the European Union fell short of Turkey’s expectation but it gradually

embarked on the transformation process to become a democratic, modern and secular

state (Kirisci, 2005).

According to Kubicek (2005), at the end of the Cold War, European leaders embarked on

the enlargement of Europe by considering Post-Communist states. Turkey’s leaders were

optimistic during the EU’s enlargement process that their candidature will be considered

(p.2). The EU argued that the Post-Communist countries fulfilled the Copenhagen

Criteria and thatTurkey still lagged behind in democratic reform and respect for human

rights (Kirisci, 2005). According to Phillips (2003), Copenhagen Criteria are Rules that

require all would-be EU member countries to guarantee democracy and respect for

human rights, rule of law and protection of minorities (p.94). Copenhagen Criteria is

based on the 1993 EU commission report that stipulated guidelines and conditions that

must be fulfilled before an aspiring EU candidate country can be considered for accession

(Dinan, 2005, P.147).

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The Copenhagen criteria stipulates that for a candidate country to be considered for

accession, it must have a strong democratic institution, respect for minority rights and

rule of law, a free market economy and to accept a common European defense and

foreign policy (Dinan, 2005, P. 148).

Kirisci (2004), argued that Turkey’s exclusion from membership negotiations in 1997

disappointed many Turks (p.3). According to Dinan (2005), EU decision to consider

accession negotiations with other under developed former communist countries like

Bulgaria and Romania was unfair to the Turkish government. In response, Turkish

government severed diplomatic relationship with the European Union and threatened to

hinder Cyprus reunification process (Dinan, P. 156). Kubicek (2005), pointed out that

Turkey’s continuous effort to democratic reform and respect for human rights convinced

European leaders in 1999(Helsinki Summit) to approve Turkey as a candidate country.

In December 2004 the European council agreed to begin Turkey’s accession negotiations

to the European Union. However, some original EU member countries have made it clear

that Turkey’s full membership will be gradual and will not be complete until 2014

(Dinan, 2005, p.157). Turkey’s accession is considered to be open-ended and some

European member countries, notably France proposed a referendum in EU member

countries before Turkey can be accepted as a new EU member. France proposal is to

grant Turkey with a “Special Status” membership while Germany’s version is that of a

“privileged partnership” (Phillips, 2004, P.).

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Due to pressure to meet the Copenhagen Criteria, Turkey embarked on extensive political

reforms and improved its human rights record. According to Phillips (2004), Turkey

eased restrictions on freedom of press and association. Signed and ratified the Protocol 6

and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights” (p.94). Turkey’s political and

legislative reforms resulted into the abolition of the death penalty to conform to the

European laws, reduced the influence of the military in government and Kurdish minority

rights were eventually respected by the Turkish government (Philips.2004).It can be

argued that without Turkey’s strong commitment to join the European Union, dramatic

political, economical, legal and human rights reforms would not have been easily

undertaken.

The significance of Turkey to the EU is its strategic location to the Muslim world.

According to Garton (2002), Turkey’s integration to the EU will prove to the Muslim

world that Islam and democracy can Co-exist (p.13). The vastness of Turkey will provide

the E.U with the opportunity to advance democratic principle and peace to the Middle

East and Central Asia (Garton, 2002), Garton Asserted that Turkey’s membership to the

EU is in relation with the “War Against Terrorism” (p.13). According to Kubicek (2005)

Turkey’s strong military capability will also act as a stabilizing force against unstable

Europe’s neighbors (p.13).

Phillips (2004), confirmed that Turkish business community considers the accession to

the EU as an avenue for Turkey to continue its economic reforms in order to meet

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European Standards (p.93). Kirisci (2004) argued that due to pressure from the EU,

Turkey has improved its market- economy by introducing deflation measures and

promote an export-oriented strategy to achieve economic development (p.4). On the hand

European business leaders will easily tap Turkey’s market of 70 million people and easy

access to a relatively cheap labor force (Kirisci, 2004). The initiative will also strengthen

the competitiveness of European firms interested in cutting down production cost by

setting up manufacturing plants in Turkey to take advantage of cheap labor.

Another significance of Turkey’s accession to the European Union is the demographic

aspect of Europe. Europe’s birth rate is low and its population is aging. In contrast,

Turkey’s population is younger and relatively educated; this provides the EU with the

opportunity to utilize Turkey’s labor force (Tusiad, 2004). However, this phenomenon

also plays against Turkey’s accession to the EU because most European considers Turks

cheap labor as a threat to Europe’s employment and other social benefits.

The prospect of Turkey ever joining the European Union is still undetermined. Phillips

(2004), argued that however much Turkey tries to meet the conditions set by the

European Union, Europeans will not accept a Muslim country to join a “Christian Club”

(p.95). This was stressed by Frits Bolkestein (Former EU Commissioner) who referred to

Turkey as a “Muslim threat to Europe”. He argued that “Ukraine and Belarus were more

European than Turkey and that Europe risk becoming predominantly Islamic” (Kubicek,

2005).

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According to Kubicek, (2005), Turkey has a different culture and history which

disqualifies it from passing the “Europeaness “test. He also argued that since only 5% of

Turkey’ population lives inside “Europe” (In relation to the European map), Turkey does

not fit to be in the European Union (p.11). Some Europeans believe that Turkey is

different and this will result into future problems in the E’U decision –making structure

(Phillips, 200). Phillips (2004) argued that bringing in Turkey to the European Union will

result into tremendous burden to the Europeans (p. 96). For Example, Turkey being so

big and poor, vast portion of EU development fund will end up being channeled to

Turkey. Many current EU members accessing EU development fund and other social

policy program feel threatened by Turkey’s membership because a big portion of the

assistance may be diverted to Turkey. The often cited argument against Turkey’s

accession to the EU is that Turkey is poised to create a new balance of power in the

European Union.

Therefore, in order to down play European concerns over Turkey, European leaders have

come up with different versions of Turkey’s accession to the European Union. According

to Phillips (2004), Germany and France have come up with different proposal that fall

short of Turkey’s full membership to the European Union. For example France proposed

a “Special Status” and Germany prefers a “Privileged Partnership” to be accorded to

Turkey (Phillips, 2004, p.96). However, Turkish leaders are determined for nothing less

than full European membership. Kubicik (2005), agreed that the European Union is using

double standards in dealing with Turkey accession to the EU. For example, France is

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advocating for EU member states to conduct a referendum before Turkey can join the

European Union.

Conclusion:

Turkey has undergone several political, economical and social reforms to satisfy the

Copenhagen Criteria. The progress made by Turkey in meeting the Copenhagen Criteria

is a clear indication of Turkey’s strong leadership and commitment towards European

membership. However, further effort is still needed in the modernization of its economy,

legal reform and the respect for Human Rights. On the other side, Europe should take a

positive position in the accession negotiations and not use the pretext of culture and

religion to slow down the negotiations of Turkey’s accession to the European Union.

Turkey should be provided with the same terms and a leveled ground during the

accession negotiations like the terms given to the former East Europeans countries like

Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Czech Republic etc. The negative decision of the accession

talks would be harmful to the strategic alliance of Turkey and the EU. Turkey’s accession

will also be important in boosting economic and trade links between the EU and Turkey

neighbors with abundant natural resources and energy reserves. Turkish membership to

the EU will also send a strong message to the Muslim world that European can coexist

with Muslim despite their cultural and religious differences.

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One can rightly conclude that with the new wave of anti-Islamic sentiments and high

unemployment rate in Europe, Turkey is viewed by many Europeans as a threat to their

social and economic welfare and many Europeans are doubtful of Turkey’s prospect to a

full EU membership. Turkey’s big size and its vast poor population is a threat to the EU

social policy (Common Agriculture Policy and other policies) because it will attract more

development funds that would otherwise been allocated to other member countries. It is

also believed that failure of the EU constitution referendum in France and Netherlands

can be attributed to Turkey’s EU bid and the enlargement process in general.

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http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-129678-16&type=LinksDossier

http://www.fornet.info/documents/FORNET%20Plenary%2005%20Turkey

%20Backgroundpaper.pdf

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