Download FOR Turkey joining the EU 1. Geopolitical

THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST Turkey joining the EU In many countries, mostly Austria, France and Germany, very few people want to let
Turkey join the EU. Their views should be understood.
Culturally, Turkey is not European. It is an Islamic nation which is not the same as
most of the other Christian nations in the EU.
Giving Turkey EU membership would mean allowing a wave of Turkish immigrants
into Europe.
Turkey, part of the G20, is a very big country. It would soon have too much power in
the EU.
EU countries have to achieve a certain standard of democracy and human rights.
Turkey, which treats both its Kurdish minority and its women badly, doesn’t meet this
standard.
With a GNI per capita of just over $8,000, Turkey is not rich enough to join the EU. It
will cost taxpayers in other countries too much to subsidize it.
Despite improvements with its relationship with Greece, Turkey's territorial claim to
northern Cyprus is not accepted by Greece and others in Europe.
Turkey refuses to recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915. It would be hypocritical
of EU countries, many of which have extremely strict laws against Holocaust denial,
to allow them membership.
Overall, Turley is “too big, too poor and too different to join the EU.”
1. Too big
Turkey’s current population is just over 70 million. If Turkey joined the EU tomorrow only Germany
would have a bigger population, with 82 million. But with falling fertility rates in Germany, Turkey
could become the biggest member state of the EU. With the Lisbon treaty giving even greater say in
EU decision-making to countries with higher populations through the weighted voting system, Turkey
in the EU would have a huge say over matters affecting all European citizen’s daily lives.
2. Too poor
In 2005, Turkey’s population represented 15% EU population, but its GDP was just 2% of the EU’s
GDP. Such an underdeveloped country would put a big strain on the EU budget, most notably the
Common Agricultural Policy. Turkey would slow an already weak European economy. In addition,
many Turks would immigrate to other European countries to look for work and money. This could be
very bad for the rest of European economies.
3. Too Different
Turkey’s secularism has been defended through the decades but the population is almost all Muslim
(98%). The country has seen struggles between secular forces and more religious forces in recent
years through the ruling AKP party’s insistence on lifting a ban on women wearing the hijab in
university. The nightmare scenario would be a powerful Muslim country at the head of the EU
influencing debate on a range of moral and social issues.
4. Geography
Only a small part of Turkey is in Europe. It is mostly a part of the Asian continent and borders
countries such as Iran, Iraq and Syria. These countries represent a considerable security risk to
Europe. The location of Turkey would open up the doors of Europe to all people from the Middle East
and Asia. This could be very dangerous.
5. Politics
Turkish politics have always been unstable with several military coups over the years. The current
political ruling class while bringing greater stability than previous ruling classes have nonetheless
brought their own brand of instability. The AKP party has come close to being dissolved and have
chosen to take on controversial issues such as lifting a ban on women wearing the hijab in university
and imposing a law to outlaw speaking about the Armenian genocide. It has also ratcheted up the
war with the Kurdish militant group, the PKK. The European Commission’s progress reports have
consistently shown problems in the Turkish reform process with judicial reform and rights of Turkey’s
Kurdish population among the major problem areas.
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HOMEWORK 
What are the three most convincing points why Turkey should join the EU?
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THE ARGUMENTS FOR Turkey joining the EU Turkey's geographic position at the crossroads between Europe and the East make’s it
a necessary bridge between the western and Islamic worlds. The future of Turkey is
with Europe!
It could also be an important supply route for energy supplies from Asia and the
Middle East to Europe.
The Turkish economy is growing rapidly. European countries need to access it as
easily as possible.
Turkey is able to mediate in the Middle East than European countries. During the
recent crisis in Gaza, Turkish diplomats were able to talk directly to the Hamas
government. It also has somewhat good relations with Israel.
With a strong military tradition and large army, Turkey would be a military asset for
Europe. It has already been a NATO member since 1952 and has 1,500 troops fighting
in Afghanistan. This loyalty and commitment to the western cause should be
acknowledged.
The Turkish population is young and mostly well-educated. The aging EU needs this
young population in its workforce.
Large numbers of Turks, including those who went to Germany as guest workers, are
already familiar with Europe and its customs.
Turkey has already responded to the EU's demands for change. It has abolished the
death penalty, introduced tougher measures against torture and introduced reforms to
help women and Kurds.
FOR Turkey joining the EU
1. Geopolitical
Turkey is a major regional power that is strategically placed between Europe and the Middle East,
and Europe and Central Asia. It is a force against instability in both these very volatile parts of the
world, and is also a potential bridge between Christian Europe and the Islamic world. Cultural ties
through academia and business prove that Turkey's place is in Europe.
2. Economic
Turkey has experienced growth rates which would be the envy of most EU countries with per capita
income doubling since 2003. It has a young population providing an excellent market for European
goods and a potential source of labor since EU birth rates are tumbling. It attracts large amounts of
foreign direct investment (€9 billion in 2007) and has a large car and appliance manufacturing
industry.
3. Religion
Turkey is a large, stable Muslim nation that has good relations with the majority of other European
nations as well as other Muslim nations in the Middle East and Asia. This is an important relationship
and makes Turkey an important Muslim ally of Europe. And of course, the EU is not just for Christian
countries! Allowing Turkey to join would be a positive example of religious tolerance and those who
argue against admitting Turkey just because it is a Muslim nation are simply prejudiced.
4. Defense
Turkey has been an ally of Europe and defender of European interests since the Cold War. Turkish
troops have served with EU troops in various missions, most recently in Afghanistan and the
Democratic Republic of Congo. It will be an important ally in dealing with Iran on its nuclear threat
and with Iraq on its transition to a peaceful, democratic state. Turkey has also been at the frontline
of the war on terror and has itself been the target of terrorist attacks in recent years. By including
Turkey in the EU, co-operation on defense and security matters will strengthen.
5. Reforms
Turkey has been an associate member of the EU since 1963 and wanted to join the Union back in
1987. Since then many leaders in Europe have given Turkey reason to believe its membership
application is genuine. Turkey has introduced many reforms to prepare for EU membership, including
abolishing capital punishment, reforming its police by cracking down on torture and giving rights to
its minority Kurdish population. Turkey is introducing these reforms and moving closer towards a
European-style democracy because of its candidate status for the EU. To refuse the country
membership would see these reforms rowed back on.
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HOMEWORK 
What are the three most convincing points why Turkey should not join the EU?
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