The Hindu : Opinion / Editorials : STILL TALKING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

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Saturday, Dec 25, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Editorials

STILL TALKING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

WHILE THE AGREEMENT between Turkey and the European Union (EU) to begin membership talks on October 3, 2005 is significant, the negotiations are likely to be prolonged and arduous. Turkey has undertaken reforms in many spheres to qualify for membership. However, the Turks have to do a lot more to bring their laws in consonance with the EU's exhaustive rule book on issues ranging from food hygiene to the care of children. The open-ended format for the negotiations, which might go on for at least a decade, poses a challenge in itself. If the talks drag on indefinitely, Turkey's suspicion that it is not welcome in the EU on account of bigotry and racism will get strengthened. Turkish ultra nationalists who believed that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would not be able to break free from the religious moorings of his Justice and Development Party were out-manoeuvred when he took the initiative to clinch the agreement. These political forces will try to project any accommodation with the EU as a sell-out of Turkey's culture and traditions.

While the Erdogan Government can draw encouragement from the strong domestic sentiment in favour of integration, it is well aware that majority popular opinion in many of the 25 countries that currently make up the EU is opposed to Turkey's membership. Some governments, notably the Blair Government, have taken the initiative to educate their people about the value of such an expansion. Other governments are apparently waiting to see how the political tides flow before making up their minds. Unfortunately, at least part of the opposition to Turkey's inclusion appears to be motivated by racial and religious considerations. It is far from certain that the forces of European enlightenment and social democracy will be able successfully to counter chauvinistic arguments against granting membership in what has so far been a Christian club to a Muslim-majority country. At another level, Turkey and those who favour its accession need to convince sceptics that it can overcome its current economic backwardness and fit in with the community's economic and social performance standards.

Many of these issues can only be addressed over the long term. However, Turkey will need to bring a greater sense of urgency to resolving its dispute with Cyprus if only to improve its prospects of securing EU membership. As a full-fledged member, the island republic has a veto on the admission of new entrants and it appeared ready to use this power to block the December 17 agreement. This threat was withdrawn after Turkey promised to expand the customs union that it has with the EU so as to include Cyprus. However, the compromise could swiftly unravel. While Nicosia believes that by including it in the customs union Turkey will be granting recognition to the republic, Ankara disagrees. If it persists with its refusal to recognise a member-country of the EU, Turkey will only damage its case for inclusion. It will be a great pity if this Muslim-majority country does not secure membership in a community that in economic, social and political terms will have an ever-increasing part to play on the world stage.

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STILL TALKING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP