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.

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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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