Europe has much to gain from Turkey

The Ithacan online

"Europe has much to gain from Turkey
By Sevgi Saran / Guest Writer
January 26, 2006
Turkey’s effort to become a member of the European Union has always been a controversial topic for both the European countries and Turkey. Despite having signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 1964, Turkey only started accession negotiations this past October.
Because of Turkey’s predominantly large Muslim population — which is more than willing to join a union that’s often referred to as a “Christian Club” — countries like Austria and France say Turkey does not have a place in the EU, since it has “a different culture, a different approach, a different way of life.” Turkey, however, is a secular and democratic country that has never specified the religion of Islam in its constitution. For Turks, joining the EU has always been seen as an important component of westernization as well as modernization."