Will The EU Accession Talk Begin?

This is all true, but the basic point is this: What we must realize from a real period of accession talks is harmonization to EU standards. We have to keep in step with every development in the EU. The most important and difficult thing for us is to change mentalities. In 1999 Turkey’s harmonization with the EU Acquis Communautaire gained speed. Eight comprehensive harmonization packages were brought to the Parliament. A bill on the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) recently came to the agenda.

It is clear that Turkey has made progress in the required political criteria in terms of legislation. However, as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, it is impossible to change practices and mentalities wholesale overnight. This will be completed in the accession period mentioned above. Turkey will have to harmonize in 31 different areas. And will the accession talks begin? Of course we hope that the EU leaders will make a positive decision.

There are many reasons why the EU is reluctant about Turkey’s membership – its culture, religion, population and so on. If a date for talks is given, then there won’t be any return for either side. I think the EU is caught between accepting and not accepting. What we must do is increase pressure on public opinion both within Turkey and without. The government and members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) believe that the EU will give Turkey a date for accession talks this December. I’m not so optimistic, but I hope I’m mistaken.

However, if the EU is not a ‘European Culture’ – and it shouldn’t be – it shouldn’t get stuck in a ‘European identity.’ The EU should be a project beyond a ‘unity among diversities.’ It seems that the EU is working for this, therefore I think that it should give Ankara a date for accession talks.”