Turkey’s EU membership – a neverending story

World
Europe

Turkey’s EU membership is the sentiment for many in Turkey.

Although there are differences of opinion on whether Turkey should join the EU bloc, it may be fair to say that the lingering membership process has become frustrating for most of the locals here in Turkey.

Turkey’s membership candidacy began in 1999. In 2005, the accession negotiations started. But even though it’s been over 18 years – not much progress has been made. Following Turkey’s failed coup of 2016, the accession process has come to a standstill.

But a significant meeting on March 26 between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council president Donald Tusk creates an opportunity for dialogue.

President of Turkey RecepTayyip Erdogan (2nd R), Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (L), European Council President Donald Tusk (2nd L) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) hold a joint press conference after Turkey-EU Summit at Euxinograd Palace in Varna, Bulgaria on March 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

Hours before the meeting took place Erdogan gave a statement saying, membership in the EU remains a “strategic goal” for Turkey. However, he also stressed that “political and artificial” hurdles were being placed in Turkey’s path.

Turkey’s main opposition party People’s Republican Party CHP is also supportive of Turkey’s membership to the EU. When asked about the party’s approach to the EU, member of parliament Ozturk Yilmaz stated that “both sides need each other."

"Turkey must regain its democracy that was lost following the April 16 referendum and the EU must keep its’ promises. This would speed up the process and Turkey must receive the full membership it deserves”.

As part of the refugee deal Turkey signed with the EU in 2016, Ankara was promised visa free-travel for Turks within the Schengen zone in return for Ankara’s efforts to help prevent refugees crossing into Europe. A promise the Turkish government proudly announced to its’ citizens, one that is yet to happen.

However, following the coup attempt – Turkey launched a massive crackdown and arrested tens of thousands of people and the EU criticized the scope of the operations claiming Ankara was using the opportunity to silence opposition groups in the country. These disputes caused more and more tension between Turkey and the EU.

(L-R) Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, European Union President Donald Tusk, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker pose for a photo after their joint news conference - part of the EU-Turkey summit - in Varna on March 26, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

But neither side has given up on the idea of Turkey’s membership to the EU. And many Turkish citizens are still hopeful that day may come. Industrial worker Serol quotes Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and said the Turkish civilization must turn its face to the west.

A street artist, Ragip stresses that for artists especially “it’s very important to get visas so they can travel around the world”, and said he wasn’t able to get visas these days. And Burcin, a casting director says visa free travel would be significant for future generations – as she hopes to send her child to study abroad one day, not everyone agrees.

Hairdresser Kadir’s frustration is felt in his words, he says “we should have been accepted a long time ago. Now it seems this was more of a Christian club, that’s why they’re not going to accept us, so we should not bother and instead create our own pact”.

It’s difficult to tell whether or not Turkey will ever become an EU member – but strong relations between the two parties is certainly beneficial for both sides, especially in terms of economic and anti-terrorism cooperation.