Half of Danes opposed to Turkish entry to EU
Opposition was strongest among the 56 to 64 age group, where 61 percent were against the idea, while 59 percent of those in the 18 to 25 age group were in favour of Turkish membership.
Over 900 people were questioned between September 14 and 15 by the Ramboell institute.
Forty-four percent of those who were negative said their opinion was based on the fact that the country did not respect human rights, while 19 percent said it was because Turkey was a Muslim country and 10 percent cited a fear of increased immigration.
Nine percent said Turkey’s economy was not modern enough, four percent said Turkey was geographically not part of Europe and three percent said the cultural divide was too large. Eleven percent gave no explanation for their opposition.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen is due to present a crucial report on October 6 assessing Turkey’s progress in hauling itself up to EU standards.
The much-awaited report will serve as a basis for a December 17 decision by EU leaders on whether or not to give Turkey, an official EU candidate since 1996, a starting date for membership talks.