Turkey’s future lies with the European Union

Turkey’s future lies with the European Union

Turkey is at a crucial turning point in its history. Depending on the decisions involving the EU, the future of Turkey’s contribution to peace and democracy in Europe is at stake. Will it be a Turkey, where political and democratic standards are applied with outmost respect, with a solid economy, where the youth is provided with modern education and employment opportunities, equalling the EU average? Or will it be a Turkey, with low income levels and regular economic crises, unable to contribute to European peace and democracy?

Turkish people want to attain their ideals as soon as possible

If the date for the start of accession negotiations is not determined by the end of the year, we will lag further behind the other candidate countries. Lack of such decision will make it more difficult to achieve the end goal stated in our current economic and structural reform programmes. Our unemployment problems and social disparities will aggravate further. Whilst our youth wants to sprint, we will barely be able to catch up with the frontrunners.

Turkey has the strength necessary for EU membership

Turkey’s membership, given Turkey’s young population, high entrepreneurship and multicultural structure, would be an invaluable asset to the EU in the latter’s global aspirations. It should be noted that Turkey is the largest economy among the candidates and is the seventh largest in comparison to the EU countries.

Turkey’s future EU membership is an unalterable policy. EU membership would enhance Turkey’s economic presence and democratic stance at the international level.

We enthusiastically support the multiparty platform initiative proposed by the President of the Turkish Republic A.N. Sezer pertaining to EU membership. We also full heartedly support the desire for a nationwide compromise which would guarantee Turkish people’s ideals and future.

EU membership means adopting the universal values, the rule of law, freedom of expression, respect for differences in opinions and life styles, transparent, accountable and participatory public administration, efficient public order, minimisation in regional disparities, market economy open to competition and to information society.

Assuming the necessary responsibility for this vital project, our political parties and Parliament should take the necessary steps towards EU membership. Starting the accession negotiations with the EU, after conforming with the Copenhagen political criteria with regards to the ‘abolition of death penalty’, ‘broadcasting in mother tongue’ and ‘learning mother tongue’, has become the pressing item on Turkey’s agenda.

The challenges presented during Turkey’s pre-accession process require that a part of the responsibility be assumed by the EU and that the EU conveys its historical wisdom through a constructive approach. The decision to fix a date for starting accession negotiations by the end of this year is the most determinant step to be taken by the European Union at this stage.

is TÜSIAD’s Representative to the EU and UNICE in Brussels.

For more in-depth analysis, see the

websiteof the Turkish Busines & Association TÜSIAD.