EU Member Turkey Only Solution for Clash of Civilizations

Patten criticized France’s policy on Turkey and her decision to put Turkey’s membership to a referendum. "I hate referendums," said Patten.

Patten stood by EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Gunter Verheugen in opposition to the efforts of Greek and French commissioners’ efforts to dilute the EU Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey. Patten emphasized that the EU will be a more significant world player with Turkey as one of its members.

Yesterday, Patten assessed the latest developments and discussed whether the affirmative Progress report paves the way for Turkey’s full membership. He expressed his pleasure with the report’s recommendation that negotiations be started. Patten also emphasized that geo-strategic factors play a crucial role in changing the picture in Turkey’s favor.

The Commissioner disclosed that when he was appointed to office, most members did not entertain the possibility of Turkey’s membership in the Union. He was among the few that supported Turkey from the beginning.

When asked about the fear frequently expressed by Turkey’s opponents in Europe that Ukraine and Morocco will also become members of the Union, Pattern replied: "Europe is both a geographical and a political entity. A European country that shares our values may be a member, but there is no rule that all countries that share our values will be members."

Regarding the recommendation that restrictions be placed on the Turkish labor force’s free movement in Europe, Patten said this would bring about a 2nd class membership and it is not right. The Commissioner said the Turkish government is preparing itself for such restrictions and implied that the EU will need Turkey’s young population.

Turkey’s membership will provide great opportunities for Europe in the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia, Patten said. Turkish membership in the Union will be a big blow to the theory that a clash of civilizations is inevitable between the Islamic world and the Western world, added Patten. "The most important element to prevent this clash is Turkey’s membership," he commented.