New CER pamphlet
This pamphlet can be ordered from the CER website www.cer. org.uk or by contacting Kate Meakins at kate@cer.org.uk or on + 44 20 7233 1199
WHY EUROPE SHOULD EMBRACE TURKEY
By Katinka Barysch, Heather Grabbe and Steven Everts
Turkey is set to start EU accession negotiations on October 3rd. But opposition to its EU entry is mounting. Less than one-third of voters in the eoldf EU now support Turkish membership.
Some EU governments want Ankara to recognise Cyprus before October; and some West European politicians argue that the EU should offer a "privileged partnership" as an alternative to full membership. Turkey finds both demands unacceptable, and has even threatened to walk away from the negotiating table.
This pamphlet highlights the risks that loom on Turkey's way into the EU. But it concludes that Turkish accession is more likely to be an asset for the EU than a burden:
* The cosy, cohesive club that many of Turkey's opponents seek to defend ceased to exist a long time ago. With 25 (soon 27) members, the EU is already becoming more diverse and flexible. Turkish accession will reinforce these trends, which will help the EU to keep functioning in the long run.
* Turkish accession could add much-needed clout to the EU's foreign and security policy.
Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, its army is half a million strong and it offers a strategic location and some long-standing ties with Middle Eastern countries.
* A young and fast-growing Turkey could add new dynamism to a slow-growing and ageing EU economy.
Much public hostility towards Turkey is rooted in the popular backlash against the last round of EU enlargement, and the economic malaise in some of the big eurozone countries. However, by the time Turkey is ready to join in 10-15 years time, the EU should have reformed its institutions and overcome its worst economic problems. If not, the EU will be slow-growing, inward-looking and unwelcoming. And Turkey would not want to join such a club.
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