Expanding the EU: Concerns & Considerations

The United States of Europe

EU Expansionhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/europe/04/enlarging_europe/html/eu_expansion.stm

With May 1, 2004 expansion number of fears expressedMass immigration

Eastern European “Grateful Gypsies set to flee their homes.” Sun newspaper, Britain (April 2004)

Economic Pressures Employment Government programs Housing

Diluting/changing face of national culturesTurkey now focus of debate on expansion

Bülent Ecevit tries to pull Turkey closer to EU

EU ExpansionCroatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are applicant states

France is ambivalent about Turkey joining

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3741282.stm#

•8% undecided •Main reason in favor: To consolidate democracy in Turkey •Main reason against: The risk of large Turkish immigration •63% said they could imagine Turkish membership in future •30% said Turkey should never join for cultural reasonsIPSOS poll OF 932 people for Le Figaro, 24 and 25 September

European Council’s report on Turkey - Key pointsPolitical reforms: "Political reforms, in line with the priorities in the Accession Partnership, have been introduced." Economic reforms: "Economic stability and predictability have been substantially improved since the 2001 economic crisis." Military reforms: "The government has increasingly asserted its control over the military. Although . . . the armed forces in Turkey continue to exercise influence through a series of informal channels." Human rights: "Turkey has acceded to most relevant international and European conventions." Torture: "The authorities have adopted a zero tolerance policy towards torture and a number of perpetrators have been punished." Women's rights: "The situation of women is still unsatisfactory; discrimination and violence against women, including 'honour killings', remain a major problem. Children's rights: "Children's rights were strengthened, but child labour remains an issue of serious concern." Freedom of religion: "Although freedom of religious belief is guaranteed by the constitution ... non-Muslim religious communities continue to experience problems." Freedom of the press: "Notable progress has been made.“Conclusion: "Important progress was made on implementation of political reforms, but these need to be further consolidated and broadened."

EU ExpansionOther (non-economic) fears, concerns, and considerations: European Cultural Identity

Should EU place limits on its geography

Turkey as EU’s future most populated State Turkey’s 71 million slated to increase to 80-85 million by 2025,

(Germany’s is 83 million and projected to fall to 80 million by 2020)

Turkey’s Supporters Greece: traditional enemy wants Turkey in EU fold Germany: good trading relations with Turkey

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1198469,00.html Britain: Trade an Strategic position as a “a key NATO ally at the

intersection of the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus". US: Turkey to be rewarded as “model” Islamic country

Turkey’s Integration within Europe as major advantage