When It Comes to Turkey

Such an idea was never applied to other EU candidates, and I wonder if it will set an example? The proposal has caused concern in Ankara, which considers it unfair since it’s planned only for Turkey. However, this proposal earlier got support from Jose Manuel Barroso, who is due to take over the European Commission’s presidency in November. Barosso said the proposal pleased him, calling it an expression of democracy. At this point, Turkey should expect a positive result from such a referendum, and this puts our EU bid at risk. Although the governments of many EU member countries favor Turkey, it’s well known that public opinion is against Turkey. Ankara will strongly object to this unprecedented proposal.

Obviously a referendum would put a ‘special condition’ before us, contrary to the Helsinki summit decisions. Another subject casting a shadow on Turkey’s bid is the issue of the free movement of Turkish workers in Europe. EU member countries have never welcomed this. If a proposal is made to restrict free movement through bilateral agreements, it would mean a change of status. A restriction of full membership means a special status. Such special conditions as a referendum and restricting free movement are unacceptable. We’ve done our homework and fulfilled the Copenhagen criteria. The EU should recognize this reality in its progress report and then put us through the same process as other countries. This is what we deserve.”