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=== Economic === |
=== Economic === |
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⚫ | In 2004 and 2005, economic growth was above 7%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/turkey/economic_profile_en.htm|title=European Commission--Turkey-Economic Profile|accessdate=2007-06-06}}</ref> almost four times higher than average growth in the EU.<ref name="economist1">{{cite news|last=Economist|first=The|title=The ever lengthening road|publisher=[[The Economist]]|date=2006-12-07|url=http://www.economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/displaystory.cfm?subjectid=682266&story_id=8381644|accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> Despite the strong economic gains in 2002-06, which were largely due to renewed investor interest in emerging markets, IMF backing, and tighter fiscal policy, the economy is still burdened by a high current account deficit, high debt and high unemployment.<ref name="cia-wb-tu">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tu.html|title=CIA World Factbook - Turkey|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> |
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{{Further|[[Economy of Turkey]]}} |
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[[Image:Skyline of Maslak in Istanbul on June 23 2005.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Maslak]] financial district in [[Istanbul]]]] |
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The [[CIA]] classifies Turkey as a [[Developed_country#CIA_developed_country_list|developed country]].<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/appendix/appendix-b.html CIA World Factbook]</ref> Turkey is a founding member of the [[OECD]] since 1961 and is also a member of the [[G20 industrial nations]] which brings together the 20 largest economies of the world. |
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⚫ | The opening of talks about the Economic and Monetary Policy [[acquis|acquis chapter]] of Turkey's accession bid was expected to begin in June 2007, but talks were stalled by [[France]].<ref name="bbcturkeyunhappy">{{cite news|title=Turkey unhappy at EU talks delay|publisher=BBC News|date=[[2007-06-26]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6241176.stm|accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> |
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For most of its republican history, Turkey has adhered to a quasi-[[statism|statist]] approach, with strict government controls over private sector participation, foreign trade, and [[foreign direct investment]]. However, during the 1980s, Turkey began a series of reforms, initiated by Prime Minister [[Turgut Özal]] and designed to shift the economy from a statist, insulated system to a more private-sector, [[market economy|market]]-based model.<ref name="80sLiberalization">{{cite book|title=Economics and Politics of Turkish Liberalization|first=Tevfik F.|last=Nas|publisher=Lehigh University Press|location=|year=1992|id=ISBN 0-9342-2319-X}}</ref> |
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Turkey's main trading partners are the [[European Union]] (59% of exports and 52% of imports as of 2005),<ref name="TSI_ForeignTrade2006">{{cite web|url = http://www.die.gov.tr/ENGLISH/SONIST/DISTICIST/301106.doc |title=Foreign Trade Statistics as of October 2006|author=Turkish Statistical Institute|authorlink=Turkish Statistical Institute|publisher=Turkish Statistical Institute|accessdate=2006-12-11|date=2006-11-30}}</ref> the [[United States]], [[Russia]] and [[Japan]]. Turkey has taken advantage of a [[European Union-Turkey Customs Union|customs union with the European Union]], signed in 1995, to increase its industrial production destined for exports, while at the same time benefiting from EU-origin foreign investment into the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2006/05/03/000016406_20060503112446/Rendered/PDF/wps3908.pdf |title=Turkey's evolving trade integration into Pan-European markets|author=Bartolomiej Kaminski|coauthors=Francis Ng|publisher=World Bank|accessdate=2006-12-27|date=2006-05-01}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Levent financial district as seen from Sporcular Park on October 30 2003.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Levent]] financial district in [[Istanbul]]]] |
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[[Image:Metrocity Levent Istanbul.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Street level view of [[Levent]] financial district in [[Istanbul]]]] |
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Turkey's [http://www.vestel.com.tr/dev_en Vestel Electronics] is the largest TV producer in [[Europe]], accounting for a quarter of all TV sets manufactured and sold on the continent.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jun2006/gb20060609_371863.htm BusinessWeek: The Unknown TV Giant]</ref> By January 2005, Vestel and its rival Turkish electronics and white goods brand [http://www.beko.com BEKO] accounted for more than half of all TV sets manufactured in Europe.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2005/BUSINESS/01/17/turkey.beko/ CNN World Business: Turkey switches on to TV market]</ref> Another Turkish electronics brand, [http://www.profilo-telra.com/ Profilo-Telra], was Europe's third largest TV producer in 2005.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Europe's+No.+3+TV+Manufacturer%2c+a+Private+Company%3a+PROFILO-TELRA-a0135431630 Europe's No. 3 TV Manufacturer, a Private Company: PROFILO-TELRA]</ref> |
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Turkey also has a large and growing [[automotive industry]], which produced 1,024,987 [[motor vehicle]]s in 2006<ref>[http://www.osd.org.tr/tskb.pdf Turkish Automotive Producers' Association: Turkish Automotive Production]</ref>, ranking as the 6th largest automotive producer in Europe; behind [[Germany]] (5,819,614), [[France]] (3,174,260), [[Spain]] (2,770,435), the [[United Kingdom]] (1,648,388), and [[Italy]] (1,211,594), respectively.<ref>[http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=108806 Today's Zaman: Turkey Europe's sixth largest auto producer]</ref> |
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Turkey's per-capita GDP places it among the upper-middle income countries. In 2006, [[Eurostat]] calculated the minimum wage in Turkey as €331, which was larger than the minimum wage in nine [[European Union]] member states, namely [[Bulgaria]] (€82), [[Romania]] (€90), [[Latvia]] (€129), [[Lithuania]] (€159), [[Slovakia]] (€183), [[Estonia]] (€192), [[Poland]] (€234), [[Hungary]] (€247) and the [[Czech Republic]] (€261); while lower than the minimum wage in [[Portugal]] (€437).<ref>[http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-NK-06-009/EN/KS-NK-06-009-EN.PDF Eurostat: Minimum Wages 2006]</ref><ref>[http://www.cnnturk.com/EKONOMI/GENEL/haber_detay.asp?PID=40&HID=1&haberID=201012 CNN Türk: Türkiye'de asgari ücret yüksek çıktı]</ref> |
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⚫ | The opening of talks |
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=== Population === |
=== Population === |
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[[Image:Pasaport Quay in Izmir.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Cafés along the historic Pasaport Quay (1877) at the port of [[İzmir]]]] |
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[[Image:Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul on 3 June 2007.jpg|thumb|200px|[[İstiklal Avenue]] in [[Istanbul]]'s cosmopolitan [[Beyoğlu]] district]] |
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Statistics show that the birth rate is declining in the entire continent of Europe. Especially in Eastern Europe and Russia population growth is in minus stage. The EU member states already set a goal to solve the impact of the ageing population.<ref>http://www.eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52006DC0571:EN:NOT</ref> Turkey has a young population. This might act as a balance for the increasingly aging populations of the current EU. |
Statistics show that the birth rate is declining in the entire continent of Europe. Especially in Eastern Europe and Russia population growth is in minus stage. The EU member states already set a goal to solve the impact of the ageing population.<ref>http://www.eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52006DC0571:EN:NOT</ref> Turkey has a young population. This might act as a balance for the increasingly aging populations of the current EU. |
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⚫ | In Turkey the birth rate is high and the death rate is low.<!-- Lets find the stats, as far as I know birth rate is less than 2 per woman (old enough), and this is lower than the birth rate in US (barely). It's true that Turkey has higher birth rates than many EU states but it should also have higher death rate. Also, another true statement would be that the birth rate is high in Southeast of Turkey--> Turkish population increased from 45 million in 1980 to 73 million in 2007.<ref>TUIK official report</ref> In the face of this problem the Turkish government plan set a goal to lowering rate population growth was failed. This also affects the economic development of Turkey. Between 1980 and 2002, GNP growth rate had actually fallen behind the rate of increase in population. From the point of view of social policy, one of the most important problems a growing population brings is unemployment. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports the increase of the Turkish population. He supports the idea that post modern Turkish economy can manage the growth of the population. He stated “I don’t like to see Turkey become an aging population country similar to the European states”.<ref>[http://www.startv.com.tr star televisionu 2007 seçimler]</ref> |
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As of 2005, the population of Turkey stood at 72.6 million with a growth rate of 1.5% per annum.<ref name="WorldBank_Turkey_glance" /><ref name="WorldBank_TRStat" /> The Turkish population is relatively young, with 25.5% falling within the 0–15 age bracket.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intute.ac.uk/sciences/worldguide/html/1046_people.html |title=Turkey - Population and Demographics|author=Intute|authorlink=|publisher= Intute|accessdate= 2006-12-10|date=2006-07|}}</ref> According to statistics released by the government in 2005, [[life expectancy]] stands at 68.9 years for men and 73.8 years for women, with an overall average of 71.3 years for the populace as a whole.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arama.hurriyet.com.tr/arsivnews.aspx?id=5546229 |title=Life expectancy has increased in 2005 in Turkey|author=Anadolu Agency (AA)|authorlink=Anadolu Agency|work=Hürriyet|accessdate=2006-12-09|date=2006-12-03}}</ref> Education is compulsory and free from ages 6 to 15. |
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⚫ | Turkish population increased from 45 million in 1980 to 73 million in 2007.<ref>TUIK official report</ref> This also |
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===Immigration=== |
===Immigration=== |
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=== Geographic === |
=== Geographic === |
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[[Image:Atakule Ankara.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Atakule Tower]] in [[Ankara]]]] |
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87% of Turkey's territory lies in geographical [[Asia]], including [[Ankara]], the Turkish capital. Turkey's membership would mean that the [[Countries bordering the European Union|European Union's external borders]] would reach Middle Eastern nations such as [[Syria]], [[Iraq]] and [[Iran]]. According to [[Carl Bildt]], [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|Swedish foreign minister]], "[The accession of Turkey] would give the EU a decisive role for stability in the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which is clearly in the strategic interest of Europe."<ref name="ihtbildt">{{cite news|last = Ekman|first = Ivar|title=Top Swedish official backs Turkey for EU|publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]]|date=[[2006-12-11]]|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/11/news/sweden.php|accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> Turkey is a strong regional power, with its history and also with its [[Turkish Armed Forces|armed forces]] that is second largest in NATO.<!--See [[List of countries by number of active troops]]. --> |
87% of Turkey's territory lies in geographical [[Asia]], including [[Ankara]], the Turkish capital. Turkey's membership would mean that the [[Countries bordering the European Union|European Union's external borders]] would reach Middle Eastern nations such as [[Syria]], [[Iraq]] and [[Iran]]. According to [[Carl Bildt]], [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|Swedish foreign minister]], "[The accession of Turkey] would give the EU a decisive role for stability in the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which is clearly in the strategic interest of Europe."<ref name="ihtbildt">{{cite news|last = Ekman|first = Ivar|title=Top Swedish official backs Turkey for EU|publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]]|date=[[2006-12-11]]|url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/11/news/sweden.php|accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> Turkey is a strong regional power, with its history and also with its [[Turkish Armed Forces|armed forces]] that is second largest in NATO.<!--See [[List of countries by number of active troops]]. --> |
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=== Religious === |
=== Religious === |
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[[Image:Bağdat Caddesi 3.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Bağdat Avenue|Bağdat (Baghdad) Avenue]]]] |
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If Turkey were to join the EU, it would be the only non-[[Christian]] country to have done so (99.8 % of Turkey's population<ref name=profile>{{cite web|last=European Commission|url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/turkey/political_profile_en.htm|title=Turkey - Political profile|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> is at least nominally Muslim). [[Samuel P. Huntington]] regards Turkey as a split country in his book ''[[Clash of Civilizations]]'', which could drift off to [[Islamism]] and/or [[nationalism]] if European integration fails. [[Prime Minister of Turkey|Turkish Prime Minister]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] has warned the EU that Turkey's rejection could provoke a "clash of civilizations".<ref name="economist1"/> In its March 2007 special report on the European Union, ''[[The Economist]]'' speculated that should Turkey be rebuffed by the EU, the Muslim world would perceive the EU as a "Christian club", not only damaging relations between the West and the Middle East while also alienating the fifteen million Muslims already living in EU member states.<ref name="economist2">{{cite news|last=Economist|first=The|publisher=[[The Economist]]|title=The ins and outs: The EU's most effective foreign-policy instrument has been enlargement. But how far can it go?|date=2007-03-17|url=http://www.economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/displaystory.cfm?subjectid=682266&story_id=8808134|accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> |
If Turkey were to join the EU, it would be the only non-[[Christian]] country to have done so (99.8 % of Turkey's population<ref name=profile>{{cite web|last=European Commission|url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/turkey/political_profile_en.htm|title=Turkey - Political profile|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> is at least nominally Muslim). [[Samuel P. Huntington]] regards Turkey as a split country in his book ''[[Clash of Civilizations]]'', which could drift off to [[Islamism]] and/or [[nationalism]] if European integration fails. [[Prime Minister of Turkey|Turkish Prime Minister]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] has warned the EU that Turkey's rejection could provoke a "clash of civilizations".<ref name="economist1"/> In its March 2007 special report on the European Union, ''[[The Economist]]'' speculated that should Turkey be rebuffed by the EU, the Muslim world would perceive the EU as a "Christian club", not only damaging relations between the West and the Middle East while also alienating the fifteen million Muslims already living in EU member states.<ref name="economist2">{{cite news|last=Economist|first=The|publisher=[[The Economist]]|title=The ins and outs: The EU's most effective foreign-policy instrument has been enlargement. But how far can it go?|date=2007-03-17|url=http://www.economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/displaystory.cfm?subjectid=682266&story_id=8808134|accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> |
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=== Effect upon the EU === |
=== Effect upon the EU === |
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[[Image:Güher and Süher Pekinel.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Pekinel sisters]], world-renowned pianist twins]] |
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Upon joining the EU, Turkey's almost 70 million inhabitants would bestow it the second largest number of [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]s in the [[European Parliament]].<ref name="economist2"/> Demographic projections indicate Turkey would surpass Germany in number of seats by 2020.<ref name="economist2"/> In January 2005, the Turkish [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AKP]] approached the [[European People's Party]] and was admitted as an observer-member. |
Upon joining the EU, Turkey's almost 70 million inhabitants would bestow it the second largest number of [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]s in the [[European Parliament]].<ref name="economist2"/> Demographic projections indicate Turkey would surpass Germany in number of seats by 2020.<ref name="economist2"/> In January 2005, the Turkish [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AKP]] approached the [[European People's Party]] and was admitted as an observer-member. |
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⚫ | Turkey's membership would also affect future enlargement plans, especially the number of nations seeking EU membership,<ref name="economist2"/> grounds by which [[Valéry Giscard d'Estaing]] has opposed Turkey's admission. d'Estaing has suggested that it would lead to demands for accession by [[Morocco]]. Morocco's application is already rejected on the geographic grounds. [[President of France|French President]] [[Nicholas Sarkozy]] (then a candidate) has stated in January 2007 that "Enlarging Europe with no limit risks destroying European political union, and that I do not accept...I want to say that Europe must give itself borders, that not all countries have a vocation to become members of Europe, beginning with Turkey which has no place inside the European Union."<ref name="sarkozyquote">{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=159133|title=Turkey has no place in EU: Sarkozy|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Soprano Gencer.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Leyla Gencer]], known as ''"La Regina"'' (The Queen) in the opera world, is one of the greatest sopranos]] |
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⚫ | Turkey's membership would also affect future enlargement plans, especially the number of nations seeking EU membership,<ref name="economist2"/> grounds by which [[Valéry Giscard d'Estaing]] has opposed Turkey's admission. d'Estaing has suggested that it would lead to demands for accession by [[Morocco]]. Morocco's application is already rejected on the geographic grounds |
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=== Article 301 === |
=== Article 301 === |
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=== Other === |
=== Other === |
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[[Image:First female MPs of the Turkish Parliament (1935).jpg|thumb|right|220px|Eighteen female MPs joined the [[Turkish Parliament]] with the 1935 general elections, in a time when women in many European countries, including France, couldn't even vote. In 1993 [[Tansu Çiller]] became the first female [[List of Prime Ministers of Turkey|Prime Minister of Turkey]], more than a decade before [[Angela Merkel]] became the first female Chancellor of Germany]] |
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⚫ | * In its second report on women's role in social, economic and political life in Turkey, the [[European Parliament]] emphasised that respecting human rights, including women’s rights, is a condition [[sine qua non]] for Turkey's membership of the EU. According to the report, Turkey's legal framework on women's rights "has in general been satisfactory, but its substantive implementation remains flawed" |
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*Turkey is one of the two states (with Azerbaijan) among the 46 members of the Council of Europe which has refused to recognise the status of [[conscientious objector]]s or give them an alternative to military service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article656447.ece|title= Leading Turkish writer faces jail after incurring wrath of military|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> |
*Turkey is one of the two states (with Azerbaijan) among the 46 members of the Council of Europe which has refused to recognise the status of [[conscientious objector]]s or give them an alternative to military service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article656447.ece|title= Leading Turkish writer faces jail after incurring wrath of military|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> |
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* Important groups in the European Parliament have urged Turkey to recognise the Armenian deaths in the Ottoman Empire during World War I as [[Armenian Genocide|genocide]]. Turkey acknowledges that many Armenians died, but says Turks died too, and that massacres were committed on both sides as a result of inter-ethnic violence and the wider world war.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6045182.stm|title=Q&A: Armenian 'genocide'||publisher=BBC News|date=2006-10-12|accessdate=2007-08-12}}</ref> Turkey, pointing out that recognition of historical events has never been a precondition for other states, considers this an example of the creation of new obstacles by countries opposed to their joining. The European Union Parliament, by a majority of 391 to 96, stated that Turkey should recognise the Armenian genocide before it could join the European Union.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} This requirement was later dropped on [[27 September]] [[2006]] by the general assembly of the European Parliament by 429 votes in favour to 71 against, with 125 abstentions.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5385954.stm|title=New EU warning on Turkey reforms|publisher=BBC News|date=2006-09-27|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> |
* Important groups in the European Parliament have urged Turkey to recognise the Armenian deaths in the Ottoman Empire during World War I as [[Armenian Genocide|genocide]]. Turkey acknowledges that many Armenians died, but says Turks died too, and that massacres were committed on both sides as a result of inter-ethnic violence and the wider world war.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6045182.stm|title=Q&A: Armenian 'genocide'||publisher=BBC News|date=2006-10-12|accessdate=2007-08-12}}</ref> Turkey, pointing out that recognition of historical events has never been a precondition for other states, considers this an example of the creation of new obstacles by countries opposed to their joining. The European Union Parliament, by a majority of 391 to 96, stated that Turkey should recognise the Armenian genocide before it could join the European Union.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} This requirement was later dropped on [[27 September]] [[2006]] by the general assembly of the European Parliament by 429 votes in favour to 71 against, with 125 abstentions.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5385954.stm|title=New EU warning on Turkey reforms|publisher=BBC News|date=2006-09-27|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> |
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⚫ | * In its second report on women's role in social, economic and political life in Turkey, the [[European Parliament]] emphasised that respecting human rights, including women’s rights, is a condition [[sine qua non]] for Turkey's membership of the EU. According to the report, Turkey's legal framework on women's rights "has in general been satisfactory, but its substantive implementation remains flawed"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/014-3006-043-02-07-902-20070208IPR02887-12-02-2007-2007-false/default_en.htm|title=Women's rights in Turkey: MEPs say improvements still needed|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> |
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==Public reactions== |
==Public reactions== |
Revision as of 20:06, 27 September 2007
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Turkey's formal application to join the European Community—the organization that has since developed into the European Union—was made on April 14th, 1987. Turkey has been a European Union (then the European Economic Community) associate member since 1963.[1] Turkey is also a member of the Council of Europe since 1949, a founding member of the OECD since 1961, a founding member of the OSCE since 1973 and an associate member of the Western European Union since 1992. Turkey signed a Customs Union agreement with the EU in 1995 and was officially recognised as a candidate for full membership on December 12th, 1999 at the Helsinki summit of the European Council. Negotiations were started on October 3, 2005, and the process is likely to take at least a decade to complete. The membership bid has become the central controversy of the ongoing enlargement of the European Union.
History
Background
The modern Republic of Turkey is the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, the sole Islamic power in Europe for almost seven centuries before it sank into a decline that led some to call it the "sick man of Europe".[2] After the Empire's collapse in the wake of World War I, Turkish revolutionaries led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emerged victorious in the Turkish War of Independence, establishing Turkey as it currently exists today. Atatürk, then Prime Minister and later President of Turkey, implemented a series of reforms that modernized Turkey and moved it more towards European culture.[3] During World War II, Turkey remained neutral until February 1945, when it joined the Allies. During the Cold War, Turkey allied itself with the United States, taking part in the Marshall Plan in 1947, joining as a member state the Council of Europe in 1949,[4] and joining NATO in 1952.[5]
1960s - 1990s
Turkey first applied for associate membership in the European Economic Community in 1959, and on September 12, 1963 signed the "Agreement Creating An Association Between The Republic of Turkey and the European Economic Community", also known as the Ankara Agreement. This agreement came into effect the following year on December 12, 1964. The Ankara Agreement sought to integrate Turkey into a customs union with the EEC whilst acknowledging the final goal of membership.[6] In November 1970, a further protocol called the "Additional Protocol" established a timetable for the abolition of tariffs and quotas on goods traded between Turkey and the EEC.[3]
1980 saw a temporary stop in relations as a result of the 1980 Turkish military coup following political and economic instability, though the recommencement of multiparty elections in 1983 saw Turkish-EEC relations fully restored. On April 14, 1987, Turkey submitted its application for formal membership into the European Community. The European Commission responded in December 1989 by confirming Ankara’s eventual membership but also by deferring the matter to more favourable times, citing Turkey’s economic and political situation, as well its poor relations with Greece and the conflict with Cyprus as creating an unfavourable environment with which to begin negotiations.[7] This position was confirmed again in the Luxembourg European Council of 1997 in which accession talks were started with central and eastern European states and Cyprus, but not Turkey. During the 1990s, Turkey proceeded with a closer integration with the European Union by agreeing to a customs union in 1995. Moreover, the Helsinki European Council of 1999 proved a milestone as the EU recognised Turkey as a candidate on equal footing with other potential candidates.
2000s
The next significant step in Turkish-EU relations came with the December 2002 Copenhagen European Council. According to it, "the EU would open negotiations with Turkey 'without delay' if the European Council in December 2004, on the basis of a report and a recommendation from the Commission, decides that Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria".
With the 2002 election of the pro-European Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a number of reforms led to increasing stability both politically and economically. In 2004, as part of the drive to enter a reunified Cyprus into the EU, the Turkish government supported the UN-backed Annan Plan for Cyprus. This plan was accepted by Turkish Cypriots, but rejected by the Greek Cypriots. At the same time, a three-decade-long period of hyperinflation ended, with inflation reduced to 6% from annual levels of 75% during the mid-1990s.[8]
The political reform program of the Erdoğan government continued. This included the abolition of capital punishment, crackdown on torture, and more rights for its Kurdish population. In response to these developments, the European Commission recommended that the negotiations should begin in 2005, but also added various precautionary measures. The EU leaders agreed on December 16, 2004 to start accession negotiations with Turkey from October 3, 2005. Despite an attempt by the Austrian government to offer Turkey less than full membership, EU accession negotiations were officially launched.
Turkey's accession talks have since been dogged by a number of domestic and external problems. Several European states such as Austria have made their reluctance to allow Turkey into Europe clear. The issue of Cyprus continues to be a major obstacle to negotiations. European officials have commented on the slowdown in Turkish reforms which, combined with the Cyprus problem, has led the EU’s enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn to warn of an impeding ‘train crash’ in negotiations with Turkey.[9] Despite these setbacks, Turkey closed its first chapter of negotiations in June 2006.
The earliest date that Turkey could enter the EU is 2013, the date when the next six-year EU budget will come into force. Ankara is currently aiming to comply with EU law by this date,[10] but Brussels has refused to back 2013 as a deadline.[11] It is believed that the accession process will take at least fifteen years.[12]
Timeline
- 1959 - Turkey applies for associate membership in the European Economic Community.
- 1963 - Association Agreement signed, acknowledging the final goal of membership.
- 1964 - Association Agreement comes into effect.[13]
- 1970 - Protocol signed providing a timetable for the abolition of tariffs and quotas on goods.
- 1980 - Freeze in relations following the 1980 Turkish coup d'état.
- 1983 - Relations fully restored following elections.
- 1987 - Application for formal membership into the European Community.
- 1989 - European Commission refuses to immediately begin accession negotiations, citing Turkey’s economic and political situation, poor relations with Greece and their conflict with Cyprus, but overall reaffirming eventual membership as the goal.
- 1995 - European Union-Turkey Customs Union is formed.
- 1999 - European Council recognises Turkey as a candidate on equal footing with other potential candidates.
- 2002 - European Council states that "the EU would open negotiations with Turkey 'without delay' if Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen criteria".
- 2002 - 2002 Turkish general election brings the pro-EU Justice and Development Party (AKP) to power.
- 2004 - Turkish government and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus back the Annan Plan for Cyprus.
- 2004, December - European Union agrees to start negotiations.
- 2005, October - Opening of six chapters of the Acquis: Right of Establishment & Freedom to provide Services, Company Law, Financial Services, Information Society & Media, Statistics and Financial Control
- 2006, June - Chapter on Science and Research opened and closed.
- 2006, December - Continued dispute over Cyprus prompts EU to freeze talks on eight chapters and state no chapters would be closed until a resolution is found[14]
- 2007, March - Chapter on Enterprise and Industrial Regulations opened[15]
- 2007, June - Chapters on Statistics and Financial Control opened, but the opening of the chapter on economic and monetary policy was blocked by French President Nicholas Sarkozy.[16]
Progress of negotiations
This article is part of a series about the |
Accession of Turkey to the European Union |
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Institutions
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Turkish membership issues
In order to acceed to the EU, Turkey must first successfully complete negotiations with the European Commission on each of the 35 chapters of the EU's acquis and then the member states must unanimously agree to Turkish membership. Public opinion in EU countries generally opposes Turkish membership, though with varying degrees of intensity, although political leaders and politicians of the European Union generally support it. Some countries, notably France and Austria, have discussed putting the decision to a referendum.
Turkey’s entry into the EU may have profound consequences on the future direction of the EU. The issues mentioned by some of those objecting to Turkey's EU candidacy can be divided among those inherent to Turkey's situation, those that involve internal issues about human rights, democracy, and related matters, and those concerning Turkey's open external disputes with its neighbours. There is much contention over whether some of these arguments are used by people more as a proxy against peoples true feelings about Turkish membership in the sense that the country is not culturally European and therefore should be denied entry at all.
Economic
In 2004 and 2005, economic growth was above 7%,[18] almost four times higher than average growth in the EU.[19] Despite the strong economic gains in 2002-06, which were largely due to renewed investor interest in emerging markets, IMF backing, and tighter fiscal policy, the economy is still burdened by a high current account deficit, high debt and high unemployment.[20]
The opening of talks about the Economic and Monetary Policy acquis chapter of Turkey's accession bid was expected to begin in June 2007, but talks were stalled by France.[21]
Population
Statistics show that the birth rate is declining in the entire continent of Europe. Especially in Eastern Europe and Russia population growth is in minus stage. The EU member states already set a goal to solve the impact of the ageing population.[22] Turkey has a young population. This might act as a balance for the increasingly aging populations of the current EU.
In Turkey the birth rate is high and the death rate is low. Turkish population increased from 45 million in 1980 to 73 million in 2007.[23] In the face of this problem the Turkish government plan set a goal to lowering rate population growth was failed. This also affects the economic development of Turkey. Between 1980 and 2002, GNP growth rate had actually fallen behind the rate of increase in population. From the point of view of social policy, one of the most important problems a growing population brings is unemployment. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports the increase of the Turkish population. He supports the idea that post modern Turkish economy can manage the growth of the population. He stated “I don’t like to see Turkey become an aging population country similar to the European states”.[24]
Immigration
The existence of a large labour surplus in Turkey forces the jobless to look for employment somewhere outside the country. The Merkel government has taken an action slow down the Turkish immigration to Germany.
Geographic
87% of Turkey's territory lies in geographical Asia, including Ankara, the Turkish capital. Turkey's membership would mean that the European Union's external borders would reach Middle Eastern nations such as Syria, Iraq and Iran. According to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign minister, "[The accession of Turkey] would give the EU a decisive role for stability in the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which is clearly in the strategic interest of Europe."[25] Turkey is a strong regional power, with its history and also with its armed forces that is second largest in NATO.
Foreign relations
Cyprus
The island of Cyprus is still divided after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, following a coup d'etat by Nikos Sampson against the Cypriot government of Makarios III and fully supported by the Greek military junta of 1967-1974 under its de facto leader Dimitrios Ioannides. Turkey refuses to acknowledge the Republic of Cyprus (an EU member) as the sole authority on the island, and recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. Turkey and Turkish Cypriots backed the 2004 Annan Plan for Cyprus aimed at reunification of the island, but was subsequently rejected by Greek Cypriots on the grounds that it did not meet their needs. According to Cypriots, the latest proposal included maintained residence rights for the many Anatolian Turks that were brought to Cyprus after the invasion and their descendants, and Greek-Cypriots who lost their property after the Turkish invasion would be granted only a restricted right of return. Although the outcome received much criticism in the EU as well, the Republic of Cyprus was admitted into the EU a week after the referendum. The Turkish government has refused to officially recognise the state of Cyprus (a current EU member State) until its admittance into the EU.[citation needed] This issue alone is of great diplomatic concern because it paradoxically implies that Turkey does not fully recognise one of the sides it is negotiating with.[who?] One possible solution, apart from an unlikely change of strategy by the Turkish government, would be the introduction of a bureaucratic or diplomatic circumvention or escamotage, such as the EU adopting special negotiation rules for Turkey. The other 'solution', or rather outcome, is that the EU prefers to stick with its existing rules, known as acquis communautaire, and further delay Turkey's accession. Turkey's non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus has led to complications within the Customs Union. Under the customs agreements Turkey already signed as a precondition to start negotiations in 2005, it is obliged to open its ports to Cypriot planes and vessels, but Turkey refuses this and insists it will only do so after the EU proposal to open up direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots and provide €259,000,000 in funds to help them upgrade their infrastructure is fulfilled. Greek Cypriots have subsequently threatened to veto accession talks unless Turkey complies.
Greece
Greece has been supportive overall of Turkish membership, with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declaring, "Full compliance, full accession" in December 2006.[26] In 2005 the European Commission referred to relations between Turkey and Greece as "continuing to develop positively"[27] while also citing the lack of progress made by Turkey in dropping their claim of casus belli over a dispute about territorial waters boundaries.[27]
Armenia
Turkey maintains economic embargo and border crossing closures against Armenia, due to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Since the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994, Armenia has occupied up to 14% of Azerbaijan, and supports, but does not recognise, Karabakhi independence. Both Turkey and the European Union support Azerbaijan’s claims to Nagorno-Karabakh and view the situation as an occupation of Azeri land.[28] Officially, opening the Armenian border is not a pre-condition for accession. Romano Prodi, then-President of the European Commission, stated his view about the issue as: "Personally, I do not like that the Armenian-Turkish border gate is closed. I do not exclude that the issue of closed borders could be one of the preconditions for Turkey's membership."[29] EU reports state that Turkey should take active measures to resolve this situation before eventual accession.[30] Turkey has insisted that the route of the lucrative Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline bypass Armenian territory.
Religious
If Turkey were to join the EU, it would be the only non-Christian country to have done so (99.8 % of Turkey's population[31] is at least nominally Muslim). Samuel P. Huntington regards Turkey as a split country in his book Clash of Civilizations, which could drift off to Islamism and/or nationalism if European integration fails. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned the EU that Turkey's rejection could provoke a "clash of civilizations".[19] In its March 2007 special report on the European Union, The Economist speculated that should Turkey be rebuffed by the EU, the Muslim world would perceive the EU as a "Christian club", not only damaging relations between the West and the Middle East while also alienating the fifteen million Muslims already living in EU member states.[9]
Effect upon the EU
Upon joining the EU, Turkey's almost 70 million inhabitants would bestow it the second largest number of MEPs in the European Parliament.[9] Demographic projections indicate Turkey would surpass Germany in number of seats by 2020.[9] In January 2005, the Turkish AKP approached the European People's Party and was admitted as an observer-member.
Turkey's membership would also affect future enlargement plans, especially the number of nations seeking EU membership,[9] grounds by which Valéry Giscard d'Estaing has opposed Turkey's admission. d'Estaing has suggested that it would lead to demands for accession by Morocco. Morocco's application is already rejected on the geographic grounds. French President Nicholas Sarkozy (then a candidate) has stated in January 2007 that "Enlarging Europe with no limit risks destroying European political union, and that I do not accept...I want to say that Europe must give itself borders, that not all countries have a vocation to become members of Europe, beginning with Turkey which has no place inside the European Union."[32]
Article 301
Opinions critical of the strongly nationalistic[who?] line are regularly prosecuted under Article 301 of the Turkish penal code. The EU was especially critical of Article 301 during the September 2005 trial of novelist Orhan Pamuk, with enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn calling the case "regrettable".[33] After the case was dropped three months later, Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül indicated[34] that Turkey may abandon or modify Article 301, stating that "there may be need for a new law".[34] In September 2006, the European Parliament called for the abolition of laws, such as Article 301, "which threaten European free speech norms".[35] Article 301 states that "A person who publicly denigrates Turkishness, the Republic or the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, shall be punishable by imprisonment of between six months and three years." and also that "Expressions of thought intended to criticise shall not constitute a crime."
Other
- Turkey is one of the two states (with Azerbaijan) among the 46 members of the Council of Europe which has refused to recognise the status of conscientious objectors or give them an alternative to military service.[36]
- Important groups in the European Parliament have urged Turkey to recognise the Armenian deaths in the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide. Turkey acknowledges that many Armenians died, but says Turks died too, and that massacres were committed on both sides as a result of inter-ethnic violence and the wider world war.[37] Turkey, pointing out that recognition of historical events has never been a precondition for other states, considers this an example of the creation of new obstacles by countries opposed to their joining. The European Union Parliament, by a majority of 391 to 96, stated that Turkey should recognise the Armenian genocide before it could join the European Union.[citation needed] This requirement was later dropped on 27 September 2006 by the general assembly of the European Parliament by 429 votes in favour to 71 against, with 125 abstentions.[35]
- In its second report on women's role in social, economic and political life in Turkey, the European Parliament emphasised that respecting human rights, including women’s rights, is a condition sine qua non for Turkey's membership of the EU. According to the report, Turkey's legal framework on women's rights "has in general been satisfactory, but its substantive implementation remains flawed"[38]
Public reactions
In the EU
Public opinion in EU countries generally opposes Turkish membership, though with varying degrees of intensity. The Eurobarometer March-May 2006 survey shows that 48% of EU-25 citizens are against Turkey joining the EU, while about 39% are in favour. Citizens from the new member states are more in favour of Turkey joining (44% in favour) than the old EU-15 (38% in favour). At the time of the survey, the country whose population most strongly opposed Turkish membership was Austria (con: 81%), while Romania is most in favour of the accession (pro: 66%). On a wider political scope, the highest support comes from the Turkish Cypriot Community (pro: 67%) (which is not recognised as sovereign state and is de facto not European territory and out of the European institutions). These communities are even more in favour of the accession than the Turkish populace itself (pro: 54%).[39]
In Turkey
The opening of membership talks with the EU in December 2004 was celebrated by Turkey with much fanfare,[19] but the Turkish populace has become increasingly eurosceptic as negotiations are delayed. Based on what it views as lukewarm support for its accession to the EU and alleged double standards in its negotiations (France and Austria have indicated they will hold referendums on Turkey's membership), the Turkish public has become increasingly eurosceptic in recent times. A mid-2006 Eurobarometer survey revealed that 43% of Turkish citizens view the EU positively; just 35% trust the EU, 45% support enlargement and just 29% support an EU constitution.[40]
Official point of view
EU member states must unanimously agree to Turkish membership for Turkish accession to be successful. A number of nations could oppose it, notably Austria, which historically served as a bulwark for Christian Europe against the Ottoman Empire, and France, which is fearful of the prospect of another wave of Muslim immigrants (especially given the poor integration of its existing, mainly Arab (i.e. not Turkish), Muslim minority).
- Former French President Jacques Chirac, a supporter of the accession of Turkey into the EU, had to agree that the amendment to the French constitution authorising the ratification of the proposed European Constitution[41] contains a clause saying that a referendum is required before France can give its approval to Turkey or other future candidates to the European Union (the amendment excludes states that have already signed agreements).[42] Some politicians opposed to the constitutional treaty, such as Philippe de Villiers, argued that the treaty paved the way to Turkish membership, which they deem highly undesirable.
- Former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel has said that he may hold a referendum on the issue. Recently, Austrian President Heinz Fischer has strongly suggested a pan-European referendum on the issue, given its great importance for the future of the EU. Recent Greek governments supported Turkish membership hoping that Turkey would soften up its stance in a number of issues of conflict between Turkey and Greece during the process of and after joining the EU. However, opinion polls from the end of December 2004 show that opposition is twice as strong among the Greek public as support.[citation needed]
- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that Turkey is not ready to join the EU "tomorrow nor the day after tomorrow", but its membership negotiations should continue. He also called on France and other member states to honour the decision to continue accession talks, describing it as a matter of credibility for the Union.[43]
Developments within Turkey could also freeze accession talks— the rise to power of a hard-line Islamic or nationalist government, or the current government failing to prove its willingness to respect the acquis communautaire. Interference of the sceptical military in civilian rule is detrimental to accession as well. Yet this point is seen favourably by some, as the Turkish army is known to intervene only when political leadership risks plunging the nation into a religious Sharia state. In effect preventing a demodernisation of the state.
The EU Progress Report from November 9, 2005 stated that
"On 29 July 2005, Turkey signed the Additional Protocol adapting the EC Turkey Association Agreement to the accession of 10 new countries on 1 May 2004. At the same time, Turkey issued a declaration stating that signature of the Additional Protocol did not amount to recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. On 21 September, the EU adopted a counter-declaration indicating that Turkey’s declaration was unilateral, did not form part of the Protocol and had no legal effect on Turkey’s obligations under the Protocol. The EU declaration stressed that recognition of all Member States was a necessary component of the accession process. It also underlined the need for supporting the efforts of the Secretary General of the UN to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem which would contribute to peace, stability and harmonious relations in the region."[44]
On 2006-11-29, the BBC reported that the European Commission members had decided to suspend parts of the talks with Turkey regarding accession, following the failure to reach agreement over the various issue surrounding the occupation of Cyprus.[45]
See also
References
- ^ EurActiv: EU-Turkey Relations
- ^ "Ottoman Empire." Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 19 Apr. 2007 http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-206012
- ^ a b Turkish Embassy.org - Republic of Turkey. "Turkey and EU". Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ^ Council of Europe (2006-10-27). "Turkey and the Council of Europe". Council of Europe. Retrieved 2006-10-30.
- ^ NATO. "Greece and Turkey accede to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation". NATO. Retrieved 2006-10-30.
- ^ Turkish Embassy.org - Republic of Turkey. "Turkish Embassy, Turkey and EU". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in London. "About Turkey and the EU". Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ^ ""Turkey's Ruling Party Marks Its 3rd Anniversary". Retrieved 2007-05-06.
- ^ a b c d e Economist, The (2007-03-17). "The ins and outs: The EU's most effective foreign-policy instrument has been enlargement. But how far can it go?". The Economist. Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ^ Turkey targets 2013 for EU legal compliance euobserver.com
- ^ declines to endorse 2013 date for Turkey's EU entry euobserver.com
- ^ "Interview with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on BBC Sunday AM" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ Turkish Embassy, Turkey and EU
- ^ EU resumes Turkey accession talks, BBC, 2007-03-29, accessed on 2007-03-29
- ^ EU-Turkey to re-start entry talks, EUPolitix.com, 2007-03-29, accessed on 2007-03-29
- ^ Turkish Entry Into Europe Slowed by Sarkozy Move, New York Times, 2007-06-25, accessed on 2007-06-25
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- ^ "European Commission--Turkey-Economic Profile". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
- ^ a b c Economist, The (2006-12-07). "The ever lengthening road". The Economist. Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ^ "CIA World Factbook - Turkey". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Turkey unhappy at EU talks delay". BBC News. 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2007-07-03.
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(help) - ^ http://www.eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52006DC0571:EN:NOT
- ^ TUIK official report
- ^ star televisionu 2007 seçimler
- ^ Ekman, Ivar (2006-12-11). "Top Swedish official backs Turkey for EU". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2007-07-03.
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(help) - ^ Panagopoulis, A. (2006-12-18). "Karamanlis Hails EU's 'Historic' Decision to Admit Bulgaria, Romania". Greek News. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
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(help) - ^ a b "Turkey - 2005 Progress Report" (PDF) (Press release). European Commission. 2005-08-11. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
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(help) - ^ Bulletin EU 7/8-2002: Common foreign and security policy (5/39), European Commission on 27 March 2003
- ^ "Prodi Urges Turkey to Reopen Armenian Border". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Enlargement issues - pg.8" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ European Commission. "Turkey - Political profile". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Turkey has no place in EU: Sarkozy". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ Dymond, Jonny (2005-09-13). "EU blasts Turkish author's trial". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ a b BBC News staff (2005-12-28). "Turkey insult law 'may be dumped'". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ a b "New EU warning on Turkey reforms". BBC News. 2006-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
- ^ "Leading Turkish writer faces jail after incurring wrath of military". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Q&A: Armenian 'genocide'". BBC News. 2006-10-12. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
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(help) - ^ "Women's rights in Turkey: MEPs say improvements still needed". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "European Commission: Special Eurobarometer 255 - Attitudes towards EU Enlargement., July 2006, p. 72" (PDF). Retrieved 2006-09-05.
- ^ "New Eurobarometer poll results show a drop in Turkish support for the EU". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "LOI constitutionnelle n° 2005-204 du 1er mars 2005 modifiant le titre XV de la Constitution" (in French). Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Deal struck over Turkey-EU talks". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Zaman, Javno.hr - 23/07/07; DPA, Reuters - 22/07/07".
- ^ "Final Progress Report for Turkey" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "EU urged to freeze Turkey talks". Retrieved 2007-04-13.
External links
- Official Turkey Government site for EU accession
- Failure of the talks 'would betray Turks and Europe'
- Time to talk to Turkey
- The case for Turkey
- We need Turkey
- We must not turn our back on our best Muslim ally
- "Middle East Needs Turkey's EU Membership", Ayse Hakim, JTW
- "U.S. Diplomat: Turkey's EU Aspirations Can Inspire Muslims", Vince Crawley, The Washington File
- Turkish illegal restrictive measures against Cyprus and European Union shipping
- Human Rights Watch on Turkey
- Turkishpolitix.com - the gateway to Turkish affairs (with up-to-date dossier on EU-Turkey relations)
- Regime change, European-style, is a measure of our civilisation
- Turkey and the European Union
- EU report on Issues arising from Turkey's membership perspective
- "Turkey-EU Relations: If Turkey Says No!"
- Foreign Affairs - Turkey's Dreams of Accession
- Greece's Shifting Position on Turkish Accession to the EU Before and After Helsinki (1999)
- Europe's reasons and Turkey's Accession (ARI)
- ZEI EU-Turkey-Monitor - Newsletter to monitor accession negotiations
- European Press Review: E.U. Snubs Turkey (Views about Turkish EU membership from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Hamburg, Turin, and Zurich)
- "Turkey Apprehensive Over EU Crises", by Jonathan Gorvett, Aljazeera
- http://www.soros.org/resources/articles_publications/publications/turkey_2004901/english.pdf
- 20 Myths and Facts about Enlargement (Official EU website)
- The Political Criteria of Copenhagen and their application to Turkey