Turkey receives support from within European Union
Turkey continues to receive support from some sources in European Union.
The most recent comment to support Turkey’s integration with EU has come from Amanda Paul, a Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre in Brussels.
Assessing Turkey-European Union relations, Ms Paul has made a comment which would be read as “the negative approach (and attitude) displayed by some EU member states against Turkey demotivates this country so as to affect the membership process in a negative manner”.
It is true that EU has almost been ignoring Turkey by not making small favors such as lifting of visa for business people (at least) who are obliged to pay frequent visits to EU member countries simply because they have common business with EU businessmen there.
We totally agree to the right-on-the-target evaluation put forth by Ms. Paul which goes “However, EU has told Turkey to continue reforms. We should not forget that making difficult reforms should have worthwhile benefits so political actors translate these reforms into life”. This could not have been worded better by an experienced person (with broad experience and knowledge about Turkey) in international political environment.
Turkey has truly spent some valuable efforts all the way since the beginning of this adventure (the time Ak Parti took office would be more accurate actually). However, in return for this Turkey has not received even a minor part of what it would have hoped to do so.
Whereas if the EU had been sincere in bringing this project into life it could have certainly taken some more positive steps to open the way for the reform process in this country.
Turkey would surely react in a very positive and strong manner to step up reforms to achieve its membership target, if the EU could be clever enough (and free from prejudices) to see EU does need Turkey for Europe’s own benefits.
The reason to convince EU to look at the picture from this point of view would be very simple; A fast developing Turkey with a strong and healthy economy could be a cure for the “SICK MAN”, meaning Europe this time and not the Ottoman Empire as was the case in the past.. “once upon a time”.
24.10.2012
Editor, BTT
Amanda Paul is a policy analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC). She is a British national and journalist with a background in geopolitics and foreign policy. In her capacity as policy analyst, she coordinates the EPC’s Eastern Promises Project and Turkish Insights Initiative. Amanda has particular expertise in Turkish Foreign Policy, Ukraine, the South Caucasus and the Cyprus problem, regularly writing and speaking on these topics.
