Turkey in the European Union?
Should Turkey be permitted to join the European Union?
I guess the answer to that question all depends on who you ask. This is a divided issue currently facing European politics, with large implications in either direction. Basically, it all boils down to this: Most European governments favor Turkey membership into the EU, while public opinion in most EU countries is against the idea. There are many perspectives on this issue (very unusual on geopolitical issues – just kidding), but the main reasons people are against the idea are as follows:
1.) Turkey has a very large population (approx. 70million and growing quickly)
2.) Relative poverty
3.) Cultural compatibility
Europe is facing an aging population (similar to the United States), and with the rapid population growth occurring in Turkey, it will change the dynamics of what many European countries will look like in 10-20 years, and in the issues they face. The main countries that are apposed to their membership continue to be: France (even more now with the election of Sarkozy), Germany and Austria.
Here are some interesting details on this issue by country, from a recent BBC study:
Germany: 75% of public opinion is against their entry into the EU
France: Largest Muslim population in Europe (7%), and while the official stance favors entry, Sarkozy is against the idea and public opinion is 80% against.
Austria: 90% appose Turkey’s membership into the EU
Netherlands: 2nd largest Muslim population in Europe (6%), and divided on the issue.
UK: 53% apposed to the idea, but the government sees this as the opportunity to bridge the cultural gap between the east and west, and provide a shining example across its neighboring countries.
Italy: Government strongly favors membership, but public opinion is 60% agains.
Spain: 33% appose membership, while 40% favor.
Hungary: Rocky history with Turkey – 150 years of Ottoman occupation, but there is little resistance to their membership.
EU AVERAGE: 36% of public opinion favors membership into the EU.
With such strong public opinion against Turkey’s membership, it is evident that their entry will not happen any time soon. Talks are open ended, and the negotiation process is anticipated to last between 10-15 years. I have the feeling I will be writing the same blog entry in another 10 years.
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