Turkey and the European Union - Essay Example

Turkey and the European Union Introduction Turkey was officially accepted as a possible candi for EU membership in December 1999, and in 2002 the European Council stated that if Turkey met the 'Copenhagen' criterion by 2004, it would immediately open negotiations. Since 1999, and in particular since the AKP government's election in 2002, Turkey has introduced radical reforms promoting democratisation, and has made considerable efforts concerning human rights. However, these reforms are still not complete, and there are problems concerning their implementation in many areas, including within the area of human rights. In other words, judicial reform, according to the European Commission, remains insufficient. This paper will be considering Turkey's possible entrance into the EU through a brief historical view of the country's political program, the questions that are being raised concerning any future acceptance as a member state, and Turkey's present position in relation to its possible candidature. It will also be considering the significant impacts Turkey's accession would have on the Union, how such an enlargement could be managed, and how this would affect the future of the European Union. Asian or European "Of the many current applicants for EU membership Turkey has been waiting the longest, since 1963, but is potentially the last country expected to gain membership" (R Dannreuther, p. 2, 2004). Since signing the accession agreement in 1963, Turkey's declared objective is to become a full member of the European Union, and her first application was made in 1987. The reasons that she has not been accepted are based on issues concerning human rights, the Kurds, the Armenian massacre, her long-standing conflict with Cyprus and, perhaps, doubts that exist over whether she is truly European. The EU allege political and economic reasons concerning the refusal of Turkey's application, but it is possible that the EU disagrees with Ozlem Sanberk, who stated, "Turkey confirms its traditional goal which is to align itself with [a] Europe that is politically plural, economically liberal, rich in cultural diversity and strategically necessary to the defence and security of the West" (FindArticles.com, Online Article, 2007). While it would seem that the EU considers Turkey to be primarily an Asian country, Turkey evidently considers herself to be essentially European, and has been making efforts to 'Europeanise' herself for almost one hundred years. The westernisation of Turkey began during the 1920s, under the leadership of Kemal Attaturk, who introduced a formal and fundamental policy based upon the ultimate goal of becoming part of the European Union. The reforms were extensive. The Latin alphabet was introduced, along with the European calendar, the Christian day of rest was adopted, and women's rights were formally recognised in 1922 (which was far more progressive than most other European countries - France, for example, didn't suffragette their female citizens until 1945!). The civil code was adopted from Switzerland, the penal code from Italy and, most importantly, Turkey brought in measures that assured the removal of Islamic political power, thus becoming a secular state like other European countries - with its only difference being that its members are predominantly Muslim rather than Christian. Following World War II, Turkey was accepted into the West because of her strategic importance. In 1949 she became a member of the Council of Europe, in 1952 an important member of NATO, and she has been an associate member of the European Union since 1963. It is also clear that since the end of the Cold War her strategic importance has increased, rather than decreased - which is clearly demonstrated by her crucial role in the Gulf War - and this strategic position is extremely useful to Europe. Turkey could choose to align herself with the Middle East, or the ex-Soviet Republics of Transcaucasia and Asia, however, due to the political and economic benefits involved, she has clearly shown her preference for Europe. Political Impacts Regarding the Acceptance of Turkey There are both problems and opportunities concerning Turkey's possible admission into the European Union, not only for the country but also for other member states. Her inclusion within Europe would lead to growth within both Turkey's and the EU's agricultural sectors and Turkey would also see benefits within its economic infrastructure, its labour market, and in its manufacturing industries. However, a full membership within the EU would also mean Turkey having to concede significant political concessions concerning human rights violations, the Cyprus conflict, and tolerance pertaining to Kurdish dissidents. One of the main impacts concerning Turkish accession is that she will become the EU's largest member state, due to its heavy population. Her strategic position, and the fact that it is an Islamic nation, also has important implications, and it is essential for the EU that Turkey is democratic, economically stable, and a friendly ally. If this is the case, then as has been seen through past enlargements, her EU membership would be an important contribution to these strategic objectives. And, Turkish accession would also demonstrate that the EU is not a 'Christian club', but a multicultural, secular body, which would have significant geopolitical consequences. Turkey's acceptance would also have significant importance concerning future EU foreign policy, due to its boarders with the Middle East, the Black Sea, and Caucasus. This would move EU boarders to the South-East and augment the Union's different interests within these difficult regions. However, although Turkey will want to be significantly involved concerning the development of EU foreign policy, it is doubtful that she will be the expected 'bridge' to the Middle East. Turkey is more likely to have an impact on the multifaceted political dynamics between member states, which would include the larger countries. "The Union expects Turkey to sustain the process of reform and to work towards further improvement in the respect of the principles of liberty, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including relevant European case law; to consolidate and broaden legislation and implementation measures specifically in relation to the zero tolerance policy in the fight against torture and ill-treatment and the implementation of provisions relating to freedom of expression, freedom of religion, women's rights, ILO standards including trade union rights, and minority rights" (Europa, Online Article, 2007). Turkey's size, which is similar to that of Germany's, her strategic position, and her large Muslim population, has important political implications that could significantly strengthen the EU. Some people consider these as representing strong motivations for supporting Turkish accession, while others argue that Turkey is too big and too poor to become part of the European Union. Some critics have also pointed out that Turkey has dangerous boarders, is neither culturally, geographically, or historically European, and that her accession would damage the progress of EU integration, through either being overstretched, or by the fact that Turkey lacks both understanding and experience within the Union. However, the pace of development within Turkey has been sweeping, and has included the acceptance of numerous reform packages, which have incorporated moves to: ascertain minority and cultural rights; augment and affirm civilian control within the military; eradicate ill-treatment, torture, and the death sentence; establish and protect fundamental rights and freedom - which includes that of free-speech, freedom of the press, and association; and to improve the judiciary. There has also been a remarkable willingness to discuss issues that were considered as being taboo, such as the rights of Kurds, and there has been some support for a possible compromise with Cyprus. However, although membership negotiations with Turkey were officially opened on 3rd October 2005, and the commencement of the acquis communautaire in June 2006, Turkey is still showing reluctance to come to any agreement over the Cyprus problem. Turkish Accession and Cyprus "Turkey's unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations and its undertaking to resolve any outstanding border disputes in conformity with the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, including if necessary jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice" (Europa, Online Article, 2007). Cyprus is the last divided European country, and the division of its Greek and Turkish citizens has been one of the most difficult issues to resolve. The possibility of Turkey's accession into the EU will depend upon the successful conclusion of this issue, and accession talks were partially suspended in December 2006, due in part to Turkey's continued refusal to allow its ports and airports to be used by Cyprus. After the successful winning of the 2002 Turkish elections by the AKP, which is a pro-European party, and following a number of reforms that have led to increasing stability within the political and economic arenas, the Turkish government accepted the Annan Plan for Cyprus in 2004. However, this UN-backed plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, who felt that "the plan...... was considered undemocratic, unworkable and unviable. Furthermore, it was seen by the Greek Cypriot community as a scheme that would cement the division of the island permanently" (EuroActiv.com, Online Article, 2007). However, it is interesting to note that Greece was one of the first countries to support Turkey's application, due to the fact that they believe that with the assistance of the EU she is capable of attaining the necessary standards that the EU requires within its member states. The Greek Cypriots also showed their willingness to work with Turkey through the very recent dismantling of the wall that has divided the two communities for over forty years, and which was the result of a split between the northern Turkish government, which is not internationally recognised, and the Greek Cypriot government in the south. Using heavy machinery the southern government allowed its military to destroy the five-meter high wall, which has stood as a reminder of the countries deep-seated divisions and struggles, in an attempt to move towards an end to the conflict. This action at first led to hopes that progress would indeed be possible; Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek president stated, "Tonight we have demolished the checkpoint on our side" (Wikinews.org, Online Article, 2007), and Rasit Pertev, who is Mehmet Ali Talat's chief advisor, said, "This is extremely symbolic...... The dynamism created by this move will lead to the opening of the crossing" (Wikinews.org, Online Article, 2007). However, all hopes were once again dashed when the Turkish government dismissed the action as insignificant, as a result of international pressure, and refused to meet the gesture by the removal of Turkey's 40,000 troops present on the island. Consequently, during the early morning of March 9th, 2007, the Greek Cypriot's put up sheets of aluminium as a barricade. Some other European countries have clearly indicated their misgivings about Turkey's possible accession, in particular Austria, who believe that Turkey should be offered a partial membership, and there has also been some comments concerning an apparent slowdown within the reform program. Both France and Austria have declared that they will hold referendums on Turkey's possible membership, and there is still widespread concern among member states concerning continued human right issues, the deadlock in the Cyprus conflict, increasing Turkish nationalism, and religious and ethnic discrimination. These were all the major reasons that inflenced the "decision to suspend eight out of the thirty-five negotiation chapters" (EuroActiv.com, Online Article, 2007), concerning Turkey's accession. Human Rights, Religious Liberty, and Freedom of Speech Throughout 2006 the Turkish government failed to implement vital reforms that were needed to consolidate previous human rights progress and, therefore, advance Turkey's accession into the European Union. The military, including other state forces, continued to resist reform, and illegal armed groups, carried out numerous violent attacks that have seriously threatened the reform process. The Use of Lethal Force A sharp increase in the use of lethal force by security forces, which includes that of normal policing, has been severely criticised. In March there were violent clashes between the police and youths during the funerals of PKK militants, which resulted in eight deaths - these included the killings of four young children. In another incident, the police shot and killed 13 people, due to confused reasons that included possible error, or the fact that the victims refused to stop when ordered to do so. However, despite these, and other, serious events, the Turkish government, instead of launching a public enquiry concerning this increase in lethal force, adjusted the Anti-Terror Law, giving security forces the right to "use weapons directly and without delay" (World Report, Online Article, 2007). Torture, Ill-Treatment, Freedom of Expression, and Human Rights "Reports of torture and ill-treatment remain much lower than in the mid-1990s. However, during the March disturbances in Diyarbakr, hundreds of people were detained and allegedly tortured, including approximately two hundred children. Almost all those detained during this time reported being beaten, stripped of their clothes, hosed with cold water, or deprived of food" (World Report, Online Article, 2007). Throughout the whole of 2006, many people were indicted for expressing concerns, or questions, which addressed controversial topics including the role of the army, ethnicity, and religion. The government failed to amend laws that enforce such restrictions, and in April Sabri Ejder zi was sentenced to six months in prison for simply stating that allowing foreign troops within Turkey was a "terrorist act". There have been many others; Hrant Dink, a newspaper editor, received six months imprisonment for an editorial that he wrote concerning the massacre of the Armenians in 1915; Michael Dickinson, a British artist, was imprisoned for depicting President Erdoan as US President Bush's poodle; under Turkish law that protects Atatrk,pek allar is facing trial for revealing in her biography that Kemel has once worn a hijab in order to flee from an armed rival; and Eren Keskin, who is the President of the Istanbul Human Rights association, received a ten-month prison sentence for publishing sexual assaults on women by soldiers. Looking Towards Continued Reform and the Future It is evident that one of the major factors that will, eventually, lead Turkey towards a more democratic society, and which will enforce a modern understanding of human liberty and rights, can only be through its European candidacy. The Turkish government, and other leading bodies and officials, have recognised the importance of becoming part of Europe, which would assure Turkey's future economic prosperity and political stability. However, as is clear from continued problems within the Turkish territory, this is not something that will happen overnight. Reform, which implies change, is always complicated and needs to be allowed the time for any adjustments. Olli Rehn, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner, has recognized this fact, and has emphasised on numerous occasions that the commission is committed to Turkey's integration within Europe, but he has also clearly stated that reforms need to be fully implemented before accession can take place. The Turkish people, according to a recent survey, have become euro skeptic recently and in 2006 a Eurobarometer survey showed that under half (43%) of the population have a positive view concerning the European Union. Even less (35%) have confidence in the EU, 45% are in support of enlargement, but only 29% support the EU constitution (Hurriyet.com, Online Article, 2007). Most political observers believe that the earliest possible date that Turkey could enter the EU would be in 2013, but many others believe that the process could take as long as fifteen years (BBC, Online Report, 2007). Conclusion "During 2006 the European Court of Human Rights issued approximately 200 judgments against Turkey for torture, unfair trial, violations of free expression, extrajudicial execution, and other violations" (World Report, Online Article, 2007). While it is evident that Turkey still has to dramatically increase, and assure, reform in all social and political areas, it is also evident that she has made tremendous progress throughout many domains. Her commitment to Europe has been visibly clear for many years, and the advances that have been achieved are a clear indication of this fact - despite the catalogue of incidents that have been mentioned through this paper. It is clear that change is a long and difficult road, which involves compromise, a willingness to accept other people's views and opinions as being important - if not valid - and which is something that is difficult for all individual nations, who always appear to see their way forward as being the best. That Turkey, no matter what might be otherwise said, is an Islamic country does bear weight on many people's views. The fear of terrorism and fanaticism can not be denied, and there are those who fear the possible consequences of a belief system that is often considered as harsh, domineering and, perhaps, ingrained within the country's cultural and religious expressions. Obviously, this fact does play a part within any consideration of Turkey's accession into the EU. However, change and reform is present, and although there are many instances of oppression due to these beliefs, which are also part of Turkey's cultural expression, there is also much to indicate a recognition that points towards an accepted need of change. And, as this paper has shown, although Turkey will have considerable impacts on the Union, these can be managed in the same manner as other enlargements. Due to this, Turkey's accession should be judged on exactly the same terms as those of other candidates - which is through an implementation of the acquis and through its execution of the Copenhagen criteria (Haran Arika, p.11. 2003). References BBC, Online Report, Interview with Interview with European Commission President Jos Manuel Barroso on BBC Sunday AM, 2006. Information retrieved 08/04/2007. EuroActiv.com, Online Article, Turkey Accession and Cyprus, 2007. Information retrieved 08/04/2007. < http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/turkey-accession-cyprus/article-135940> Europa, Online Article, Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, 2007. Information retrieved 04/04/2007. FindAticles.com, Turkeys Entry into the EU: Asset or Liability 2007. Information retrieved 08/04/2007. R Dannreuther, European Union Foreign and Security Policy: Towards a Neighbourhood Strategy, p. 2, 2004. Routledge LONDON AND NEW YORK. ISBN 0-203-38713-9 World Report, Online Article, Turkey: Events of 2006, 2007. Information retrieved 08/04/2007. Read More