Let’s try to look over the issues from the EU point of view. The most important problem being considered from their side is the fear of a new enlargement. Actually that is the fact that EU may not be ready for any further widening especially if this country is Turkey. Turkey with its over 70 millions population and its demands in relation with improving the regional developments and removing the regional gaps can be a terrifying factor stand alone. But the vital point is that the EU was aware of this fact from the beginning. So, why they gave Turkey green light for membership before.
One of the most important opposing opinions was related to Muslim character of Turkey. This was also well known from the beginning and lots of the supporting opinions were created such as preventing the clash of civilizations and nations. So; what had been changed now? Many Muslim countries accused EU as Christian Club and EU tried to reverse these minds by producing counter arguments.
Many members does not support the Turkey’s full membership as they think that Turkey’s lower wages and lower taxes will undercut Western Europe’s higher standards of living and social protection programs. Many others assume that the day after the full membership, 70 million people will rush into their countries. Some others think that Turkey’s accession would damage the European values.
And finally the latest counter country Austria: some analyzes father the Austria’s opposition upon the weak sense of nationality that was built up after 2nd world war related to Austria’s defeat by the Ottoman Turks centuries ago. Does it sound serious especially in 21st century? So it is worthy to remember the founder members of European Union and their history; the hatred and fear among France and Germany. Is the argument mentioned above still makes sense after remembering that the founder members of the EU were serious enemies before and established a union later on? Austria’s main concern was about the Croatia. Apart of this, this should be kept in mind that the privileged membership choice was put forward by Angelika Merkel before. But suddenly instead of Germany, Austria came on the scene with this demand. The question to be asked is why Austria? Was the Austria the scapegoat chosen for that role? Or were all this complexity had been created to impose other concessions on Turkey such as 5th article of negotiation framework which asks Turkey to accept the South Cyprus’s membership to international organizations.
In response to all objection facts mentioned above, it can be said that Turkey’s AKP Government has made joining the EU its top political priority, and completed a feverish round of reforms, including giving more rights to its Kurdish minority and abolishing the death sentence, to meet the criteria for initiating accession negotiations. Both EU and many other countries in the world accept that Turkey had overcame many bureaucratic obstacles and made a great job in terms of a plenty reforms.
By the latest steps passed over by Turkey, especially the success gained in economic growth it can be said that in 10 years time, Turkey will be a more developed country, less dependent on Western countries’ subsidies and development aid, and less likely to send out waves of immigrants to other countries like Austria. And at that time, this will be the Turkish side who will think twice about an EU membership. As the Turkey’s EU membership will be more beneficial for EU rather than Turkey. As the membership offered to Turkey is much more restricted, difficult and less beneficial, Turkey’s future position is thought provoking. In that point it is the EU side that has to be more careful about the decisions to be taken in 10 years time. If EU has plans such as strengthening its position in the world as a supranational body, improving a common foreign and security policy it shall not offend Turkey by unusual demands. This is a process guaranteed before and it really damages European values to behave counter. If EU talks about EU values, at first it shall act in that manner.
Finally after two days of diplomacy and an overwhelming meeting which European foreign ministers tried to find a compromise with Austria in Luxembourg, Austria dropped its demand concerning the privileged partnership. In return, the EU has agreed to resume discussions with Austria’s ally Croatia.
The point to be stated here is, Turkey’s EU membership is a great card for EU members who want to impose something or to gain some rights. Turkey is the best blackmail instrument in that rat race. What if there would be no candidate member like Turkey who could be used as a threatening factor? It seems that EU countries will try not to loose their best card till the last minute…
