EU-Turkey Long Lasting Relations

By Lili Deyanova
University of Bon - Germany

Is Turkey seeking a marriage of convenience or of love with the EU?
Berlusconi (Former Italian Prime Minister)

A Catholic marriage – one that lasts forever…
Erdoğan (Turkish Prime Minister) 

The EU-Turkey relationship and the future Turkish membership is probably one of the most debated topics in the Union. People associate it with different fears, personal or more immediate ones connected with job loss, terrorism as well as other cultural concerns. The different religion and culture is very frequently used as an obstacle to Turkish accession. However, according to Art 6 (1) of the Treaty on European Union, Europe is not found on a religious basis, but on common principles and values such as respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms common to the Member States. Additionally, whenever people cannot think of another issue they pull the TOO BIG argument. However, for instance in economic terms it has been calculated that if Turkey joined now, the Union was not going to be much poorer than the 2004 Enlargement. In 1963, the European Commission President claimed Turkey is considered part of Europe and in 1997 the Luxembourg European Council affirmed its eligibility for accession to the European Union. In support of this statement the Treaty on European Union states that any European state, which respects the principles set out in Art 6 (1) may apply to become a member of the Union. Of course, Turkey would considerably extend EU’s borders, but isn’t Cyprus very far away as well? (more…)

Enviado el 15 de Enero de 2008 con 2916 comentarios
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