Critical Time Approaching for Turkey’s EU Entry

Turkey looks set to be given the go ahead by the European Union to begin entry talks next month. However, Turkey has also been warned that even though talks may begin, the country is by no means guaranteed to join.

The predominantly Muslim nation has consistently reiterated that it would like to make a clear date from which entry talks can begin, however, the country’s authorities have also stated that they would accept nothing less than absolute full membership into the Union.

A draft from the EU “welcomes the decisive progress made by Turkey in its far-reaching reform process.” It also went on to “reiterate its determination to enable Turkey to join the European community of values”, while reaffirming the EU’s “confidence that Turkey will sustain the process of reforms to that end.”

The European Commission recommended at the beginning of October that the EU should commence talks with Ankara, but also emphasised that the proceedings should not guarantee entry.

On October 6th, the EU Commission noted that it would call for talks to be suspended “in case of a serious and persistent breach of the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which the Union is founded.”

In addition, the EU draft also continued to give the warning that future talks could be suspended if violations occurred of fundamental EU principles.

International Needs Network’s Rody Rodeheaver reported, “Turkey is wanting to become part of the European Union and have gone through some of the early processes in seeing that happen.”

He went on to explain further that as Turkey desperately wanted to be part of the EU, the attitude they express could turn out to be more kind.

Rodeheaver said, “Part of that process would mean that Turkey would need to allow for more diversity in their religious sector. What that would do for the Christian churches would allow them to have more freedom to practice their faith.”

Despite receiving many plaudits for the vast change in attitude of the nation over recent decades, there are still many critics of the Turkish progression. Human Rights Watch (HRW), an American-based organisation reported that although this year especially there had been undeniably “constant improvements”, the “present situation concerning press freedom, religious freedom and respect of minority rights is far from perfect.”

A vast majority of EU member countries are more than happy for entry talks to begin, however there are still two nations, Austria and Cyprus, who oppose the commencement of negotiations.

The summit draft will be discussed by ambassadors from members of the EU’s 25 states at a meeting in Brussels today (Wednesday 30th November).