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CIAO DATE: 03/05
Fall 2004 (Volume 3, Number 3) Kemal Derviş , Daniel Gros , Faik Öztrak , Fırat Bayar and Yusuf Işık
Turkey’s EU Membership: Seeing the Transatlantic Gains by Abdullah Gül
As Turkey advances in its process of accession to the EU, the transatlantic relationship is in need of dispelling the ominous discussions—overrated at times—regarding its future. This is a complex task. Yet, Turkey can contribute to this process in its own way. Many of the policy issues that create tensions across the Atlantic involve the regions with which Turkey has close ties. Turkey’s own political, economic and social experience, its geopolitical perspective, foreign policy approach and its place within both the Western and non-Western institutions are assets for both the EU and the transatlantic partnership.
Turkey’s European Perspective: The German View by Joschka Fischer
The author argues that the German Government has given its unrelenting support for accession negotiations if Turkey meets the Copenhagen political criteria. According to the author both Turkey and the EU are already reaping the benefits of Turkey’s EU perspective. He cites three reasons as to why he believes it to be in the political interest of the EU member states, especially Germany, to continue this process: Firstly, because prospective membership has acted as a catalyst, causing Turkey to embark upon far-reaching constitutional and legislative reforms in a very short period. Secondly, because Turkey is of strategic importance to Europe’s security given the paradigm shift in world politics. Thirdly, because Turkey is already an important economic partner for Germany and other member states and will even gain in importance once accession negotiations have begun. The author elaborates on the three reasons and concludes by stating that Turkey’s fulfilment of the reform goals should be met by the fulfilment of the EU’s pledges.
Transforming the Osce by Solomon Passy
The author argues that the evolving international environment of the early twenty first century is producing new threats and challenges to the international community, including the OSCE, such as international terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking in all its forms. According to him the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) has to be better equipped for dealing with the challenges and threats of the contemporary world. The OSCE, is the largest regional security organization in the world with 55 participating states from Europe, should pursue its increasing focus on enhancing border management and security in its region. He further claims that the participating states should attempt to humanize the Organization and bring it closer to the peoples of the OSCE community, making it more responsive to their needs and expectations.
What Borders for Europe? by Dominique Strauss-Kahn
The author discusses two opposing visions within the Union regarding the borders of the European Union. The first vision makes the case based on a geographical and historical identity for Europe. The second vision, however, looks to the future. He is defending the latter by claiming that the definition of the EU’s borders can neither be based on historical nor geographic and even less on religious factors. As such, Turkey has a rightful place within Europe. Europe can only continue to be a major actor by rejecting a narrow vision which would limit it to its historical core. Furthermore, the author argues that enlargement and deepening are complementary. He sees the former as part of political deepening: to be able to influence the future of the international system one has to have a critical size.
Visions of Europe by Kemal Derviş
The author argues that the “Turkey in the EU” debate is a part of a much broader debate about the future of Europe itself, and calls upon the citizens of the EU as well as the citizens of the candidate countries to engage in this debate. He stresses that the Europe of the 21 st century should be built together on solid, lasting and democratic foundations. The author identifies three alternative visions within the intellectual and political discussions regarding Europe’s future: the “minimalist” or “sovereignist” vision; the “super-state” or “super-nation” vision with overtones of old style nationalism some want to reincarnate at the European level and finally the vision of the “21 st century Europeans.” It is such a 21 st century Europe that Turkey wants to help build and that Turkey wants to be part of. Within the framework of the third vision, Turkey can make Europe stronger and more attractive. The Europe of the 21 st century will be dynamic, evolving and oriented to the future. It will be a Europe that is not built “against” anyone, but will be part of a more democratic global order.
Turkey’s Cultural and Religious Heritage—An Asset to the European Union by Ingmar Karlsson
Noting that the basic principle of Roman law, pacta sunt servanda, is part of the European cultural heritage, the author argues that accession negotiations with Turkey should start as soon as the country meets the Copenhagen political criteria. The author addresses the arguments against Turkey’s membership to the EU and questions their validity. The identity dimension and the compatibility of Islam and democracy are taken up in depth in this framework.
To Be or Not To Be with Turkey; December 2004 Blues for the EU by Mustafa Aydın and Sinem Akgül Açikmeşe
The decision of the European Council in December 2004 on whether to start accession negotiations with Turkey will mark a historic turning point in Turkey-EU relations. Both sides are now standing at a crossroads contemplating whether to take advantage of the probably benefits of Turkey’s membership or bear the costs of its exclusion from the Union. This paper will explore the potential implications of integrating Turkey into the EU by charting out a multi-level, multi-disciplinary cost/benefit analysis for both sides. In this context, it will try to sort out whether enlarging to include Turkey is really something indispensable for both or either side.
Turkish Immigrants: Their Integration within the EU and Migration to Turkey by Refik Erzan and Kemal Kirişci
According to the authors many Europeans believe that if Turkey were to become an EU member state there would be large numbers of Turks immigrating to EU. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,6 million Turkish nationals living abroad of which about 3,2 million are in European countries. Some studies predict a flow of migrants (between 1.3 to 2.7 million) from Turkey to the EU until 2030. The authors argue that prospects of EU accession will not eliminate immigration from Turkey; however, the context, the number and the composition of Turkish immigration will be very different than what it has been so far. Given the importance of the EU as an anchor in Turkish politics and for the economy, it is quite likely that migration might be greater and of a more difficult sort if the prospects of membership is lost.
Turkey: Bridge or Bridgehead by Stanley Crossick
This article asks whether Turkey’s accession to the EU would create a bridge of understanding between Western Europe and the Islamic world or would Turkey be a bridgehead from which large numbers of Muslims will “invade” western society? It analyzes the key non-economic issues and, in particular, examines the relevance of religion. The writer believes that all countries which qualify politically and economically for EU membership should be admitted but worries that the EU itself is not sufficiently prepared for any further enlargement. The article suggests the basis on which the European Council should open negotiations at the end of 2004 and insists that satisfying the political criteria is a prerequisite to entry and not to opening the negotiations.
The Principle of Fairness in Turkey-EU Relations by E. Fuat Keyman and Senem Aydın
The authors argue that the EU’s decision about Turkey’s readiness for the full accession negotiations at the end of 2004 will shape the future course of Turkish democracy and modernity as well as the formation of European identity. This paper’s general argument is that the principle of fairness and objectivity should be the basis of the EU’s decision about Turkey, rather than the culturalist and essentialist discourses of Europe which privilege religion and geography over the universal norms of democracy and liberal economy. The principle of fairness implies that the decision about Turkey should be universal and impartial. The norms of universality and impartiality indicate that the decision about Turkey would be fair as long as it is not framed by a reference to Turkey’s Muslim population or its geography.
Turkey’s Foreign Policy Towards EU Membership: A Security Perspective by Can Buharalı
Turkey ’s potential contributions to the EU Common Foreign and Defense Policy (CFSP) will play an important role in the decision which will be made regarding the opening of accession negotiations. Therefore, this article briefly describes the evolution of Turkey’s foreign policy and analyzes whether Turkish and EU foreign policies are compatible particularly in light of the EU Security Strategy document prepared by the CFSP High Representative Javier Solana and adopted by the European Council in December 2003.
The Role of Turkish NGOs in the Integration of Turkey into the EU by Demir Murat Seyrek
This essay is a discussion of the involvement of Turkish civil society in the integration process of Turkey to the European Union (EU) and its domestic and international dimensions. The author argues that civil society in Turkey emerged as an important and active player in the integration process. Such an active civil society is a positive indicator for the development of democracy in the country. Moreover, this involvement is critical to enhancing dialogue between Turkey and Europe on a societal level. The author further points out that integration into the EU goes beyond economic or political factors and that this is also about the integration of societies.
European Studies in Turkey: Present State and Proposals for the Future by Angelo Santagostino
European studies in Turkey have gone through intensive development in the last few years, especially after the Helsinki summit. Today about one third of Turkish universities have started a research or teaching activity connected with the European integration process. Most of this work has been done without any help from the European Commission. Actually, among the Commission’s programs, in the fields of education and culture only Jean Monnet Action is active in Turkey, and that only since 2001. European studies in Turkish universities are characterized by a double concentration: territorial and sectorial. In order to sustain further development of European studies in Turkey three initiatives in education should be implemented: short courses for the training of the public officers; a networking program among Turkish and member states’ universities; and more importantly the establishment of a new institution dedicated to EU studies.
The EU in the Eyes of Turkish Youth by Emre Özdemir
At this critical junction in Turkey-EU relations, it is indeed curious that no one has taken a moment to ask Turkish youth what they think of a modernization project which essentially spans over two centuries. Instead, public debate has been short-sighted and focused chiefly on when and if accession talks will begin without a long term perspective of Turkish membership. Indeed, there has been no consideration or debate about the opinions of the very people that will lead the country when Turkey eventually does gain full membership. Within this context, this project is the first attempt to undertake such a task. Thus this essay is an exploration of the perspectives of Turkish youth on the European Union and attempts to highlight both the confusion and contradictions underlying their answers.
The Impact of a Turkish Entry in the EU by Faruk Şen
This essay firstly provides a brief overview of the history of Turkey-EU relations and then the most important consequences of an eventual Turkish accession to the EU. Within this framework, 5 pillars are discussed with regard to which the impact of an eventual Turkish membership might be most influential. The economic aspect which could be decisive for Turkey’s EU membership will also be covered, in light of the economic impact of the recent enlargement of the EU.
Turkey as Bridgehead and Spearhead: Integrating EU and Turkish Foreign Policy by Michael Emerson and Nathalie Tocci
The paper takes as an assumption that the EU will decide to open accession negotiations with Turkey at the end of 2004, and explores in this context the potential for integration of EU and Turkish foreign, security and defense policies already in the pre-accession period. The evolving nature of both the EU itself and Turkey as foreign policy actors is considered, with attention drawn to the effective graduations in the nature of the EU’s external borders as it extends its membership and association arrangements deeper into the south-eastern periphery. Turkish capabilities are reviewed, ranging from the subjective arguments about its experience as a democratizing, secular state of largely Muslim culture, through to objective assets such as military capabilities and cultural affinities with various neighboring peoples. With the Turkish neighborhood thus becoming the EU’s wider neighborhood, the paper reviews how far the EU and Turkey might be convergent in their interests and complementary in their capabilities in such regions as the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and Central Asia. The paper concludes with the assessment that Turkey stands to be unambiguously an asset for the EU’s external policies.