Link to Article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/20/analysis-is-turkeys-bid-for-eu-membership-over
Discussion of Turkey joining the European Union (EU) began in 1995. The idea continued to gain traction, and by 2005 there was talk of the country’s full accession into the union. However, in the years elapsed, the conversation has shifted to have a negative outlook for Turkey. A recent resolution by the European Parliament assesses the political station of Turkey. It claims that the country could not be accepted into the Union in today’s political climate, as they maintain differing values from the EU. This resolution has officially suspended negotiations on the topic. This announcement has enraged Turkey. Its minister of foreign affairs states that this decision on the part of the EU is unjust and short sighted. The country will evaluate the report and if they deem it necessary, they will withdraw their request.
However, as some standing members of the EU support the accession of Turkey, it is unlikely that all ties will be severed between the two. Rather, it is being proposed that Turkey and the EU form an alternative relationship: an equal partnership that will allow for the economic expansion and increased security of each party, while also steering Turkey towards democracy and humanitarian policies. This kind of reformation would be necessary if Turkey retains interest in joining the EU, as the resolution outrightly criticized the country’s disregard for the human rights of speech, press, and assembly; the country’s delayed response to Sweden’s application to NATO; and other foreign policy matters that involve the country. Should Turkey and the EU become partners, these issues could be addressed and the aligned interests of both parties could be protected. Though it is more likely that a partnership such a this will be formed, the effects of Turkey actually joining the EU must be considered. Should the country join, it would be among the largest members. This means it would have a similar amount of influence as countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. With that amount of power, the country’s Muslim values would certainly cause a shift in the political climate of the EU. Additionally, the EU would have shared borders with Iran, Iraq, and Syria which are not historically secure.
In class we have discussed the role of intergovernmental organizations, and the EU is a primary example of such. Since the EU and other intergovernmental organizations have a lot of influence on international relations, they must be extremely thoughtful and cautious while making decisions. This is why the EU has taken such a long time to mull over the possibility of Turkey joining them. They must have considered every outcome to arrive at the decision to temporarily suspend negotiations of accession. For example, what of the new borders? How would Turkey use the power granted to them? Does Turkey have the potential to destroy the balance that currently exists between the member states? So on and so forth they must have pondered and analyzed.