Having just spent a month in Turkey and spoken to “Citizen Osman” -- the man on the street so to speak -- it is clear, but not surprising, that Turks continue to be wary over the EU’s intentions towards their country. Although I was asked repeatedly, “Will Turkey become an EU member?” most of the time my questioners did not wait for my answer but rather answered the question themselves; they explained that they like the idea of being part of the EU but understand that the EU does not really want Turkey, but only its energy pipelines and military capabilities. Further, they think that the EU holds the covert opinion that Turkey is too big, too powerful and too Muslim. This impression has resulted in Turks turning their backs on the old EU dream. They believe that the EU prefers its new members to be small and meek. The experience with Poland, a relatively large new member with a population of some 40 million, seems to have left a bad taste in the mouths of some EU leaders.

Nevertheless, the new administration in Ankara is unequivocally pro-EU and seems set on pushing onward with reforms. They understand well that EU reforms and foreign investment go hand-in-hand. Abdullah Gül’s election as president will make it easier for reforms to be passed. Turkey’s military may entertain suspicions about Gül because of his Islamist roots, but as foreign minister he earned the respect of his counterparts across the EU; now they are expecting him to play a key role in bringing new impetus and energy to the stalled reform process. They are not interested in his wife’s choice of head gear. The EU is keen for Turkey to act swiftly and carry out meaningful reforms before the annual progress report is published in November. They will also be keeping a sharp eye on the military, whose behaviour continues to worry Brussels. The failure of the military’s top brass to show up for Gül’s oath-taking was an ominous sign and generated tension. However, the chance of these tensions building into some type of crisis is slim. The military has to learn its place in society and understand what democracy actually means. The military’s role should be more like that of a small child -- to be seen and not heard.

The EU will expect a lot from Ankara because they crave a stable, democratic, prosperous and reliable Turkey. At the same time, I don’t expect their approach to change much. Nobody should expect heads of state to announce a date for accession, make progress on Cyprus or even sing from the same hymn sheet. In an EU of 27 members, with thousands of diplomats, bureaucrats and members of parliament, there are always going to be problems. The reaction of a group of Christian Democrats in the European Parliament to the appointment of Gül is an indicator of this. They described the appointment as a clear sign that Atatürk’s goal of separating religion and state was being undermined and that all member states that support Turkish accession need to understand that the basis of the negotiations has disappeared.

As the Erdogan government enters its second term, it needs solid support from the EU to effectively crack on with its reform program. EU countries supporting Turkey need to act together against those countries which oppose Turkish accession. So far Brussels’ performance has been inept and short-sighted. Turkey should be encouraged in their efforts which will in turn help to win the heart and mind of Citizen Osman. Turkey’s eventual accession should be seen as a win-win for both parties. Turkey is a dynamic, and rapidly growing young country which will add pep to what is currently a rather sclerotic bunch of economies. The message would also send a clear signal to other nations with moderate governments or oppositions that the rewards of engagement with Muslim nations outweigh the dubious benefits of remaining a medieval dictatorship.

Turkey has taken brave steps. It is time for the EU to reciprocate.

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you share an importing reading but they are long so nobody reads them..ı thıng if we share short readıng for example everybody can read easılyy....thank you so much..

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Turkey in the EU!...

Once I have spoken to a woman. She was a bureaucrat working in the European Counsil. She said to me that even if we had participated in the EU, we wouldnt get our rights completely.

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