Turkey’s EU Bid Divides France

Turkey has been seeking inclusion for more than forty years, and filed a formal application to that effect in 1987. Since then, it has taken steps required only of members—including the establishment of a customs union—but was not accepted as a candidate state until 1999.

In May, Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sezer enacted a series of EU-friendly constitutional amendments, including one on gender equality.

Among those French adults who support accession, 52 per cent cite the need to consolidate democracy in Turkey as a positive development. Conversely, 40 per cent of those opposed to Turkey’s entry are concerned over migration.

On Jun. 28 during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Istanbul, United States president George W. Bush recommended the EU to "begin talks that will lead to full membership for the Republic of Turkey." French president Jacques Chirac argued the American president "ventured into territory which is not his concern." Chirac supports Turkey’s bid, but the ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) remains opposed.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose Turkey’s accession into the European Union (EU)?

Support
36%

Oppose
56%

(To those who support)
Why do you support Turkey’s accession to the EU?

To consolidate the development
of democracy in Turkey
52%

To prevent Turkey form tilting
towards Islamic fundamentalism
33%

To preserve military cooperation
11%

(To those opposed)
Why do you oppose Turkey’s accession to the EU?

Risk of Turk migration to other
European Union countries
40%

A vast part of Turkey’s territory is in Asia
26%

The large majority of Turks are Muslims
25%

Source: Ipsos / Le Figaro