The reasons raised against Turkish membership are manifold. They can be categorized in to five topics: religion, geography, demography, economics, and politics. Some people argue that Turkey is not a European country. It is an Islamic country, and does not fit into “Christian” Europe. Turkey is a big country with its population and Turkish membership will lead to a massive flood of new migrants. Turkey is a poor country and its democracy is not fully put into practice.
It is a fact that the issue whether or not accession negotiations with Turkey should start is heavily influenced by sentiment. These sentiments are about the country, its history, its politics, its culture and its religion. Whether an originally Islamic country such as Turkey should be allowed into the EU is an irrelevant question because religion is not a criterion for membership. Turkey is an Islamic country, so are Albania and Bosnia that are on the list to join the EU. Turkish Islam is known to be moderate and tolerant also Turkey is a secular state since 1923. The present governing party of the Turkey is a religious party, Justice and Development Party (AKP), and it is openly committed to the introduction of European values individual freedoms. It is true that the “Islamic” party in power is one of the most modernizing and pro-European parties in recent Turkish history. Thus, it is difficult to conclude that Turkey, with a Muslim majority, and a modern, mainly Christian Europe cannot go together.
The bigger part of Turkey, geographically, is situated in Asia. But this is only a formal argument. In fact Turkey has been an important geopolitical player on the European chessboard for more than six centuries. Also in the last half century Turkey was a close European ally in NATO. It has been committed to integration with European Union since 1963. This step was also accompanied by a number of other contacts in order to approach Europe (it is inside the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Culturally, the Turkish Republic aimed at modernization and adoption of Western civilization with all features essential for democracy and rule of law. Thus modern Turkey was established as a secular democracy.
Turkey has a population of around 70 million. Turkey will be the second biggest member country after Germany with its population. It could even become the biggest one in the near future. This may constitute a major threat for other countries because turkey will have more political power proportional to its population. However this fear must not override the potential benefits of EU with this emerging market and regional power.
Another aspect of the debate concerns the issue of migration. There are arguments about the expectation of increased migration from Turkey to EU countries. The argument of migration is often used in connection with the idea that a poor country will export its population. We should expect that the push and pull factors that determine migratory flows will diminish with economic development. People prefer to stay in their country, if they can earn there a respectable living. When the employment situation in Turkey is likely to improve, thus creating the prospect of finding work and prosperity at home.
Turkey is a relatively poor country. Turkish EU membership, however, will certainly boost its economic development, as has been the case in other poor countries, such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Greece. Turkey is generally regarded as a major emerging market. And accession to the EU would force it to become more open, so that Turkey’s huge potential domestic market would become accessible to foreign businesses, especially those from the EU member states. Furthermore, Turkey and its deregulated, modern economy can act as a role model for the Arab states in the Middle East. Given the country’s geographical location, Turkey can also act as a bridge to other countries in the region. After all, it already has economic links with many of these countries.
The EU has already adopted the Copenhagen criteria in order to set down the political expectations to be met by applicant states. The key is that Turkey must meet the Copenhagen criteria. To do so, Turkey has made great efforts. Turkish laws have been brought in line with EU legislation. Reforms are being implemented to improve the human rights situation. Some major steps have been taken to reduce the dominant role of the Turkish armed forces. Reforms in the legal sphere have already led to reforms in the areas of civil-military relations, freedom of expression and cultural rights. Both by word and action, the Turkish government is making clear its determination to take further steps to meet the accession criteria.
A possible negative decision on December about the Turkish membership may cause great loses for both sides. In first place, we Europeans should be more honest to ourselves. “We say that we have a mission to bring democracy to the Muslim world… but do we start by conniving at the destruction of a genuinely democratic Muslim government on our doorstep?” In Turkey, “if relations with Europe go sour, other voices—for example, those of militant nationalists and Islamic fundamentalists—might get more of a hearing”. If EU send back Turkey, we lose an ally in the Middle East, Caucasus and Asia Minor that otherwise contribute to stability, peace and security in these regions.
Turkey can make a positive contribution to the European security and defense policy. Also with Turkey, Europe will be better able to protect its strategic interests in the area of energy supply. Moreover, the fight against international crime and drug trafficking will become more effective. Acting as a bridge, with its genuine democracy, strengthened human rights and prosperity, between the Middle East and Europe, Turkey can have a positive impact on the way in which the Muslim world views the Europe. Turkey can bring the youth and dynamism that Europe need due to its aging population and declining birth rate. On top of these, Turkey will be a new color “in our bravest new world, inescapably, joyously, is multi-cultural and multi-ethnic.”
In conclusion, the issue of Turkish membership reached a turning point. This December the EU will make a decision that will affect not only the fate of Turkey but also the EU itself. There are certain hesitations and actual problems about Turkish membership. However these are not impossible to overcome for both sides. If Turkey meets the economic and political criteria it would be easier for further integration. In fact Turkey is going straight on her way to be able to persuade the EU. Simultaneously the EU should make an acceptable decision on December in order to support Turkey on her way. A sooner date for the start of membership negotiations would make better both sides.
