Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
Should Turkey join the EU
- Thread starter Napper
- Start date
aftershavedave
Well-known member
in my view no.
turkey is a great place, but europe it ain't.
entirely different cultural perspective.
turkey is a great place, but europe it ain't.
entirely different cultural perspective.
B.M.F
New member
They are not as Austria refuse to allow it
Agree with your sentiment Dougal in that it already has a bad reputation against the Kurds and are an Islamic country ( may be wrong on that one ).
Agree with your sentiment Dougal in that it already has a bad reputation against the Kurds and are an Islamic country ( may be wrong on that one ).
Tony Meolas Loan Spell
Slut Faced Whores
Also having only about a mile of the country in Europe as well dont forget. The rest is in ASIA.
But they play in Euro qualifiers for footy and probably enter Eurovision so why the hell not.
We let every other country who needs a handout to regenerate their country in.
But they play in Euro qualifiers for footy and probably enter Eurovision so why the hell not.
We let every other country who needs a handout to regenerate their country in.
Tom Bombadil
Well-known member
B.M.F said:They are not as Austria refuse to allow it
Agree with your sentiment Dougal in that it already has a bad reputation against the Kurds and are an Islamic country ( may be wrong on that one ).
Turkey is a secular republic. The majority of it's population is Muslim.
Easy 10
Brain dead MUG SHEEP
Only if Biscuit says yes.
Dandyman
In London village.
This is a quite interesting version of events...
Two draft reports prepared by the European Commission, seen by RFE/RL, suggest the commission will on 6 October recommend that the EU set a date at its December summit for the start of accession talks with Turkey -- subject, however, to stringent conditions. The reports praise Turkey for its recent raft of democratic reforms, but identify shortcomings. They also note that the accession of Turkey would present significant challenges to the EU's existing policies. Commission officials, speaking privately, say a positive decision is virtually guaranteed, but it is likely to be accompanied by numerous specific conditions.
Brussels, 1 October 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Some form of go-ahead next week by the European Commission for Turkish entry talks now appears a foregone conclusion.
However, two draft progress reports prepared by the European Commission suggest that uncertainties abound, and that any decision is likely to come with extensive conditions and qualifications attached to allow more skeptical member states to support it.
The European Commission's annual progress report on Turkey praises democratic reforms undertaken since 1999 and accelerated in the past two years. However, it does not clearly say Turkey now meets the so-called Copenhagen entry criteria dealing with democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Instead, a number of areas are identified where Turkey is clearly at odds with what are described as "modern" European standards.
Thus, the recognition that constitutional reforms have shifted the balance of civil-military relations toward civilians comes with the caveat that conflicting legal provisions allow the military to continue to enjoy a degree of autonomy.
Turkey's new Penal Code, adopted a few days ago, receives wide praise for abolishing the death penalty and enshrining women's rights.
The Penal Code also outlaws torture. The report notes there was a marked decline in reported instances of torture in 2004 as compared with 2003. However, an increase in claims of torture was recorded outside of formal detention centers.
An EU fact-finding mission returned from Turkey last month and concluded that Ankara is seriously pursuing its policy of zero tolerance on torture. Again, however, the mission reported that "numerous cases" of torture and ill treatment of detainees still occur.
Similar conclusions are evident in other key judgments. Reforms are praised, but continued contrary practices are noted.
Thus, the report says there have been a significant number of cases where nonviolent expression of opinion is still prosecuted and punished. Books were still being banned and writers put on trial in 2003. The report notes that Turkey constitutionally guarantees the freedom of religion, but adds that non-Muslim communities continue to encounter difficulties.
In the field of human rights and the protection of minorities, the report recognizes the introduction of two constitutional reforms and eight legislative-reform packages since 1999. Turkey has adopted a number of human rights treaties since 1999. It executes some judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, but -- again -- not others.
Human-rights-monitoring bodies have been set up, as have specialist training programs at the the Interior and Justice ministries, as well as police. However, implementation of human rights reforms is said not to be uniform across the country.
Turkey is criticized for not having signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. It receives praise for having allowed TV and radio broadcasts in minority languages, such as Kurdish, Arabic, Bosnian, and Circassian. However, it is noted that harsh restrictions exist limiting their length.
The report notes that Turkey constitutionally guarantees the freedom of religion, but adds that non-Muslim communities continue to encounter difficulties. Thus, Christians are said to occasionally still be subject to police surveillance.
The second report analyzes the potential impact of Turkish membership on the EU. It proceeds from the assumption that Turkey would not join before 2014. That date marks the start of the new EU multiannual budget cycle.
The assessment appears to be that most of the EU's current policies -- above all, farm support and regional aid -- will need to be radically rethought so that they do not prove ruinously costly.
The study says a Turkish accession would be different from all previous enlargements because of the country's population, size, and geographical location.
The annual cost of farm support to Turkey is estimated to top 11 billion euros ($13.6 billion) – or more than 10 percent of the EU's current budget.
Long transitional periods are predicted for the free movement of workers, and a potentially permanent "safeguard" measure may become necessary to allow other EU member states to lock out Turkish labor if their markets suffer ill effects.
Another major challenge is said to be the future management of the bloc's external borders, as well as dealing with migration and asylum issues once Turkey joins. Fighting organized crime, terrorism, and the trafficking of human beings, drugs, and arms will also present significant new challenges for the EU.
Turkey's membership in the visa-free Schengen area is said not to be a "short-term" prospect after accession. This means that border controls would remain in place.
Opportunities for the EU could arise in the form of heightened security for the bloc's energy supplies. Turkey would provide direct links to the Caspian countries, as well as the Persian Gulf.
The clearest positive potential for the EU emerges in the field of foreign policy. As a country with a Muslim majority and a strategic position, Turkey could valuably enhance the EU's role in the wider Middle East. It could also serve as an important model for reform.
However, the report says that, in practical terms, Turkish and EU policies are still often at variance regarding Iraq, the Caucasus, and relations with the Muslim world.
Turkey could also become a channel for stabilizing EU influence in the South Caucasus. Much is said to depend on Turkey's willingness, though. In particular relations with Armenia will need to improve. The study says reconciliation must be achieved over the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 and 1916, which are widely called genocide. Turkey must also contribute to the easing of tensions in the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan concerning Nagorno-Karabakh.
The study says Turkey could also help the EU to stabilize Central Asia
Two draft reports prepared by the European Commission, seen by RFE/RL, suggest the commission will on 6 October recommend that the EU set a date at its December summit for the start of accession talks with Turkey -- subject, however, to stringent conditions. The reports praise Turkey for its recent raft of democratic reforms, but identify shortcomings. They also note that the accession of Turkey would present significant challenges to the EU's existing policies. Commission officials, speaking privately, say a positive decision is virtually guaranteed, but it is likely to be accompanied by numerous specific conditions.
Brussels, 1 October 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Some form of go-ahead next week by the European Commission for Turkish entry talks now appears a foregone conclusion.
However, two draft progress reports prepared by the European Commission suggest that uncertainties abound, and that any decision is likely to come with extensive conditions and qualifications attached to allow more skeptical member states to support it.
The European Commission's annual progress report on Turkey praises democratic reforms undertaken since 1999 and accelerated in the past two years. However, it does not clearly say Turkey now meets the so-called Copenhagen entry criteria dealing with democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Instead, a number of areas are identified where Turkey is clearly at odds with what are described as "modern" European standards.
Thus, the recognition that constitutional reforms have shifted the balance of civil-military relations toward civilians comes with the caveat that conflicting legal provisions allow the military to continue to enjoy a degree of autonomy.
Turkey's new Penal Code, adopted a few days ago, receives wide praise for abolishing the death penalty and enshrining women's rights.
The Penal Code also outlaws torture. The report notes there was a marked decline in reported instances of torture in 2004 as compared with 2003. However, an increase in claims of torture was recorded outside of formal detention centers.
An EU fact-finding mission returned from Turkey last month and concluded that Ankara is seriously pursuing its policy of zero tolerance on torture. Again, however, the mission reported that "numerous cases" of torture and ill treatment of detainees still occur.
Similar conclusions are evident in other key judgments. Reforms are praised, but continued contrary practices are noted.
Thus, the report says there have been a significant number of cases where nonviolent expression of opinion is still prosecuted and punished. Books were still being banned and writers put on trial in 2003. The report notes that Turkey constitutionally guarantees the freedom of religion, but adds that non-Muslim communities continue to encounter difficulties.
In the field of human rights and the protection of minorities, the report recognizes the introduction of two constitutional reforms and eight legislative-reform packages since 1999. Turkey has adopted a number of human rights treaties since 1999. It executes some judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, but -- again -- not others.
Human-rights-monitoring bodies have been set up, as have specialist training programs at the the Interior and Justice ministries, as well as police. However, implementation of human rights reforms is said not to be uniform across the country.
Turkey is criticized for not having signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. It receives praise for having allowed TV and radio broadcasts in minority languages, such as Kurdish, Arabic, Bosnian, and Circassian. However, it is noted that harsh restrictions exist limiting their length.
The report notes that Turkey constitutionally guarantees the freedom of religion, but adds that non-Muslim communities continue to encounter difficulties. Thus, Christians are said to occasionally still be subject to police surveillance.
The second report analyzes the potential impact of Turkish membership on the EU. It proceeds from the assumption that Turkey would not join before 2014. That date marks the start of the new EU multiannual budget cycle.
The assessment appears to be that most of the EU's current policies -- above all, farm support and regional aid -- will need to be radically rethought so that they do not prove ruinously costly.
The study says a Turkish accession would be different from all previous enlargements because of the country's population, size, and geographical location.
The annual cost of farm support to Turkey is estimated to top 11 billion euros ($13.6 billion) – or more than 10 percent of the EU's current budget.
Long transitional periods are predicted for the free movement of workers, and a potentially permanent "safeguard" measure may become necessary to allow other EU member states to lock out Turkish labor if their markets suffer ill effects.
Another major challenge is said to be the future management of the bloc's external borders, as well as dealing with migration and asylum issues once Turkey joins. Fighting organized crime, terrorism, and the trafficking of human beings, drugs, and arms will also present significant new challenges for the EU.
Turkey's membership in the visa-free Schengen area is said not to be a "short-term" prospect after accession. This means that border controls would remain in place.
Opportunities for the EU could arise in the form of heightened security for the bloc's energy supplies. Turkey would provide direct links to the Caspian countries, as well as the Persian Gulf.
The clearest positive potential for the EU emerges in the field of foreign policy. As a country with a Muslim majority and a strategic position, Turkey could valuably enhance the EU's role in the wider Middle East. It could also serve as an important model for reform.
However, the report says that, in practical terms, Turkish and EU policies are still often at variance regarding Iraq, the Caucasus, and relations with the Muslim world.
Turkey could also become a channel for stabilizing EU influence in the South Caucasus. Much is said to depend on Turkey's willingness, though. In particular relations with Armenia will need to improve. The study says reconciliation must be achieved over the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 and 1916, which are widely called genocide. Turkey must also contribute to the easing of tensions in the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan concerning Nagorno-Karabakh.
The study says Turkey could also help the EU to stabilize Central Asia
Pavilionaire
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 31,117
Having Turkey in the EU would help diffuse the whole West vs Muslim issue. Personally, I'm for it.
London Calling
New member
Severe human rights problems in the Country, especially with the Kurds and people with leftist views.
Not in Europe.
Greeks hate them.
Turkish cypriots major thorn in the Cypriot problem.
To regenerate the economy would take £ billions!
However,
US uses Turkey as a NATO base.
Turkey has a special migrant agreement with Germany, so the "Muslim terrorists" can already come through this route!
We trade with China who are probably the Chelsea of human right abuses. Let the Turks in to democratise the Country and gain equality!
Turkey is already one of the UK top hoilday destinations.
And I and Ms LC are thinking about our children learning Turkish since that is Dalston's the predominant language after English.
LC
Not in Europe.
Greeks hate them.
Turkish cypriots major thorn in the Cypriot problem.
To regenerate the economy would take £ billions!
However,
US uses Turkey as a NATO base.
Turkey has a special migrant agreement with Germany, so the "Muslim terrorists" can already come through this route!
We trade with China who are probably the Chelsea of human right abuses. Let the Turks in to democratise the Country and gain equality!
Turkey is already one of the UK top hoilday destinations.
And I and Ms LC are thinking about our children learning Turkish since that is Dalston's the predominant language after English.
LC
Highfields Seagull
Well-known member
3gulls said:No.
Another well articulated argument.
Tom Bombadil
Well-known member
London Calling said:
Not in Europe - Under what definition, culturally and geographically Turkey has a foot in both Europe and the Middle East.
Greeks Hate them - though strangely they don't object to Turkeys admission to the EU.
Turkish Cypriots - Who recently voted for reunion with Greek Cyprus, an internationally brokered plan rejected by the Greek Cypriots
To regenerate the economy would cost billions - Not wrong there.
Tom Hark Preston Park
Will Post For Cash
- Jul 6, 2003
- 72,010
Turkey should be given Greece's place. Greece should only be allowed to re-enter the EU when they've ripped up and replaced the entire country's plumbing system so that bog-paper doesn't have to go in a little pedal-bin placed next to the vitreous china. That is just so WRONG 
London Calling
New member
The study says reconciliation must be achieved over the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 and 1916, which are widely called genocide.
ABOUT ONE MILLION ARMENIANS WERE EITHER KILLED, OR DIED DUE TO STARVATION.
ABOUT ONE MILLION ARMENIANS WERE EITHER KILLED, OR DIED DUE TO STARVATION.
Highfields Seagull
Well-known member
Tom Hark said:Turkey should be given Greece's place. Greece should only be allowed to re-enter the EU when they've ripped up and replaced the entire country's plumbing system so that bog-paper doesn't have to go in a little pedal-bin placed next to the vitreous china. That is just so WRONG
Pavilionaire
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 31,117
The world of politics is constantly changing, and the West has to build better bridges with the Middle East.
It is obvious that the policy of Europe hanging on to the coattails of the USA is not working. Europe needs to find its feet as a superpower and flex its muscles over issues like Iraq and Israel instead of watching the USA f*** everything up.
It is obvious that the policy of Europe hanging on to the coattails of the USA is not working. Europe needs to find its feet as a superpower and flex its muscles over issues like Iraq and Israel instead of watching the USA f*** everything up.
London Calling
New member
Voroshilov said:
Toe -nail in Europe. Most people would state that Turkey is no more in Europe than say Morocco.
The Greeks have opposed to Turkey's entries and have any official discussions until 2004. A few £'s and Turkey taking a more liberal attitude to Cyprus has soften the official Greeks line. But no more than that. I believeyou can still have problems entering Grrece if you have a Turkish stamp on your passport!
Basically the Greeks Cypriots want the Turks out of their country!!
Tom Bombadil
Well-known member
London Calling said:
I think you missed the point about how Turkey stands between Europe and Asia. I know both Turkey and Morocco well and Turkey is a hell of a lot closer to Europe.
The Greeks attitude to Turkey is that it would be safer with them inside the EU and subject to the restraining and modernising influence membership would provide rather than sitting outside feeling rejected buy the "christian" club.
As for the Greek Cypriuts they would do well to remember that the Turkish Cypriuts have as much right as them to live their and nurse considerable grievances from the pre-invasion period.