Connect with us

World

Turkey’s EU membership: Aspirations, challenges, key issues, and now? Bargaining


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surprised the international community with a maneuver that can be described at worst as a “blackmail attempt" and at the least as “transactional diplomacy” when he linked ratifying Sweden’s NATO membership to Turkey’s accession to the EU.

However, why is Turkey after EU membership? Why isn’t it already an EU member? What stands in the way of Turkey’s accession to the EU?

Here’s what you need to know:

Turkey's desire to become a member of the European Union (EU) has been a subject of discussion for decades. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, Turkey's potential accession to the EU carries significant implications for both parties involved.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Motivations for EU membership

Turkey's aspirations to join the EU can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, EU membership offers economic benefits, as it would provide Turkey access to the world's largest single market and enhance its trade opportunities. Additionally, membership could promote economic stability, attract foreign investment, and foster modernization through the implementation of EU standards and regulations.

Secondly, the desire for EU membership stems from political and strategic considerations. Turkey aims to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote human rights by aligning itself with the EU's democratic values. Joining the EU would also solidify Turkey's position as a regional power and provide it with a platform to influence EU decision-making on matters of regional and global significance.

Furthermore, cultural and societal reasons contribute to Turkey's pursuit of EU membership. Turkey views the EU as a platform for fostering intercultural dialogue, enhancing multiculturalism, and facilitating the integration of its large diaspora residing in EU member states.

Hurdles to membership

Despite Turkey's aspirations, the EU membership process has been fraught with challenges and delays. One major obstacle is the issue of Cyprus. The longstanding dispute between Cyprus and Turkey, resulting from the division of the island, has created a deadlock in Turkey's accession negotiations. The EU demands that Turkey normalize its relations with Cyprus, including recognizing the Republic of Cyprus and implementing the Ankara Protocol, which extends Turkey's customs union to all EU member states, including Cyprus. However, Turkey argues that the Greek Cypriot government should first reach a comprehensive settlement with the Turkish Cypriots before it takes further steps.

Another significant hurdle is the question of Turkey's compliance with EU membership criteria. The EU has set certain conditions, known as the Copenhagen criteria, which include democratic governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights, and economic reforms. While Turkey has made progress in these areas, concerns persist regarding freedom of expression, media freedom, independence of the judiciary, and the treatment of minorities. These issues have raised doubts among some EU member states about Turkey's commitment to the fundamental values and principles of the EU.

Moreover, Turkey's size and population pose challenges. Some EU member states express concerns over the potential strain on resources and institutions that Turkey's membership would entail. The EU's enlargement fatigue, combined with fears of increased immigration and cultural differences, has led to skepticism among some member states about further expansion.

Key issues

Several key issues are central to the debate surrounding Turkey's EU membership. One major concern is Turkey's democratic backsliding and deteriorating human rights situation. Critics argue that recent developments, such as the weakening of checks and balances, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the erosion of media pluralism, raise doubts about Turkey's readiness for EU membership.

The issue of religious and cultural differences also plays a significant role. Turkey's predominantly Muslim population, coupled with debates on secularism and the role of Islam in public life, has fueled skepticism and fears of cultural clashes among some EU member states. These concerns have been particularly prominent in the context of Turkey's potential influence on EU policies and the principle of the separation of church and state.

Furthermore, the refugee crisis and migration have had a significant impact on the debate. Turkey's geographical location has made it a crucial partner in managing migration flows from the Middle East and beyond. However, differences in approaches and the handling of the refugee crisis have strained EU-Turkey relations, further complicating the membership process.

What happens now?

Turkey's journey toward EU membership has been marked by numerous challenges and unresolved issues. While the motivations for joining the EU are clear, the path to membership remains fraught with obstacles. Overcoming issues related to Cyprus, ensuring compliance with EU membership criteria, addressing democratic shortcomings and human rights concerns, and managing cultural and religious differences are crucial steps in advancing the EU-Turkey relationship. Ultimately, the decision on Turkey's membership lies in the hands of both Turkey and the EU, and its realization depends on political will, mutual understanding, and the ability to find common ground on these complex issues.

As for the question of Turkey as an EU member in exchange for Sweden joining NATO, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the Vilnius summit.

Read more:

NATO Chief backs Turkey EU membership goal as Erdogan bargains to ratify Sweden’s bid

Turkey to back Sweden’s NATO bid in return for EU membership: Erdogan

Turkey conditions approval of Sweden NATO bid on putting legal changes into practice

Erdogan gives Sweden ‘homework’: Our friendship cannot be won by supporting terrorism

Original Article

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

Continue Reading

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

Continue Reading

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM

Continue Reading

Trending