Background:

The European Union is a composition of 25 member countries that have come together

under different sets of agreements to share a common political, economical and social

policy. According to Dinan (2005) European countries have been characterized by war

and economic rivalry among themselves for centuries. According to Gilpin (2000) in

order to overcome these difference and develop a strong economic partnership, six

European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg)

came together to establish the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 (p.194).

Dinan (2005) has acknowledged that the desire to diffuse long standing rivalry between

Germany and France became a driving force to Europe’s regional integration.

Another important treaty that solidified Europe was the 1957 Treaty of Rome which

established the European Economic Community. According to Dinan (2005) the Treaty

of Rome was an ambitious economic plan aimed at establishing a common market for

European goods and services and free movement of people in the European community.

Since then several treaties and agreement have been reached in order to strengthen and

solidify the European Union. The notable treaties include the Maastricht Treaty (1991)

that paved a way for the Economic and Monetary Union, Amsterdam Treaty (1997) that

supported Europe’s economic, political and security objectives and the Nice Treaty

(2001) which outlined conditions for EU’s future expansion and member states

representation within the European parliament.(Dinan, 2005). According to Dinan (2005)

after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the European Union decided to extend its influence

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to the eastern and Southern boarders of Europe to incorporate several former communist

countries and others into the European Union (P.143). The vision for expansion is

attributed to European Union desire to extend its economic and political influence to the

new independent states that had been under communist regimes in order to have a strong

and stable Europe.

Turkey’s Accession to the European Union (EU):

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. Dinan (2005) argued that Turkey’s

accession to the EU will extend Europe’s boarders to unstable and undemocratic Middle

East countries like Iraq, Iran and Syria (p.156). 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. According to Nas (2004) when

Turkey joins the EU, Turkey will become one of the most populated member state by

2015 (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). In comparison with Germany, EU’s largest

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

decline, Turkey’s accession becomes a concern for many Europeans.

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Dinan, (2005) observed that 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 (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.

According to Phillips (2004), 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 (p. 86-97). Luxemburg Prime-Minister

Jean-Claude Junker in a speech 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).

According to Dinan (2005), Turkey started its effort to join the European Economic

Community in 1963 by signing the Ankara Association Agreement in 1963. In 1987,

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Turkey filed an application for membership to the European Community but was rejected

by the European Economic Community (p.156). Kirisci (2004) asserted that some EU

members argue that even if Turkey was to be granted membership for a single day, it is

not ready to meet EU member’s standards and obligations (p.2). However, this argument

has been proven wrong by Turkish politicians. Turkey has initiated reforms over the

years and it 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. According to Kirisci

(2004), Turkey’s effort to integrate in the European Union fell short of Turkey’s

expectation but it has gradually embarked on the transformation process to become a

democratic, modern and secular state

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 that Turkey still lagged behind in democratic reform and respect for human

rights (Kirisci, 2004). According to Phillips (2004), 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). According to Dinan (2005),

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Copenhagen Criteria is based on the 1993 EU commission report that stipulated

guidelines and conditions that must be fulfilled by an aspiring EU candidate country to be

considered for accession to the European Union (p.147). The Copenhagen criteria

stipulates that for a candidate country to be considered for accession, it must have strong

democratic institutions, respect for minority rights and rule of law, a free market

economy and to accept a common European defense and foreign policy.

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. According to Phillips

(2004), in response, Turkish government severed diplomatic relationship with the

European Union and threatened to hinder Cyprus reunification process. Kubicek (2005)

pointed out that Turkey’s continuous effort to democratic reform and respect for human

rights convinced European leaders to approve Turkey as a candidate country in 1999

Helsinki Summit.

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

to the European Union. According to Dinan (2005), some original EU member countries

have made it clear that Turkey’s full membership will be gradual and will not be

complete until 2014 (p.157). According to Phillips (2004), 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

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EU member. France proposal is to grant Turkey with a “Special Status” membership

while Germany’s version is that of a “privileged partnership”.

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

political reform 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. 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 Dinan (2005), Turkey’s integration to the EU will prove to the Muslim

world that Islam and democracy can Co-exist. 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. Phillips (2004) argued that Turkey’s membership to the EU is in

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

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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 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 other hand European

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

access to a relatively cheap labor force. The initiative will also strengthen the

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

up manufacturing plants in Turkey.

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

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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).

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 (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 their 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

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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 (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 advocating

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

Union which was not the case with other newer former communist countries. The failure

to ratify the EU constitution (2005 referenda) in France and Netherlands has been

regarded as a sign of the growing anti-enlargement sentiments in Europe which will be

detrimental to Turkey's EU bid.

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 Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Czech Republic etc. The negative

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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.

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 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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References

Dinan, D. (2005). Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration, 3rd Ed. Boulder: CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

European Union. (2004). The European Union: A Guide for Americans, Washington DC.

Gilpin, R. (2000). The Challenge of Global Capitalism: The World Economy in the 21st

Century, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Huntington, S. P. (1993). The Clash of Civilization?. Foreign Affairs, 72(3), 22-49.

Kirisci, K. (2004). European Council Decision on Turkey: Is it a Historical Decision. TUSIAD Report, 1-10.

Kubicek, D. (2005). Turkish Accession to the European Union: Challenges and Opportunities for the “New Europe”, Center for European Studies, University of Florida. Paris.

Nas, C. (2004). EU and Turkey: Challenges and Opportunities in Enlargement. TUNACES and European Community Institute, 22, 1-4.

Phillips, D.L. (2004). Turkey’s Dream of Accession. Foreign Affairs, 83(5), 86-97.

Online Sources:http://www.eurunion.org/infores/euguide/euguide.pdf

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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