The EU must not shut Turkey out

09 November 2010

Davutoglu and his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini issued joint article, urging the European Union to support Turkey’s ongoing works on harmonization with the EU acquis.
An article published in Tuesday’s Italian newspaper La Repubblica with the title “European Union should not Close Doors to Turkey” stated that Turkey targeted full membership to the EU.

Davutoglu and Frattini in the joint article criticized that some EU member countries were not positive towards Turkey’s full membership saying, “Turkey’s accession process cannot be antagonized by taking refuge behind delusive allegations such as Turkey does not embrace European culture and law. This means denying the unique capacity of Europe in harmonizing and blending together different cultures within the framework of shared values that has been one of the main elements of the success achieved in the construction of the union.”

Davutoglu and Frattini stated that negotiation process should not lose its dynamism, adding, “the desired pace for the negotiation process cannot be achieved, however, due to obstacles brought up by certain member states that are of a political nature and have no relevance to the technical negotiations. It is the common responsibility of all parties not to have the negotiation process lose its dynamism. Turkey should fulfill its part by absolutely conforming with the acquis communautaire, and the EU should play a role supporting Turkey in this process.”

The joint article also referred to striking developments in Turkish economy and said, “Turkey has been developing rapidly with its young and dynamic foundation in line with her goal of becoming a member of the EU family. Working her way out of a severe economic crisis in the first half of the 2000s, Turkey today has become Europe’s most dynamic economy. The Turkish economy has grown by 10 percent in the second quarter of 2010. With her great economic potential, Turkey’s full membership will increase EU’s economic dynamism and competitiveness.”

In addition to strengthening her economy, Turkey has been very successful in steadily adapting to EU norms and standards by making the necessary legislative changes and particularly by realizing constitutional reform, it said.

The article underlined that, “Having a European, Mediterranean, Balkan and Middle Eastern identity all at the same time, Turkey has been pursuing an active, multi-dimensional and result-oriented foreign policy in order to improve relations with all her neighbors to the full extent and strengthen peace, stability and prosperity. It is clear that Turkey’s foreign policy vision, values, goals and tools are overlapping with those of the EU.”

“As is seen in the fifth wave of enlargement, the accession process to the EU plays a role encouraging reforms in candidate countries and constitutes a significant source of motivation. Furthermore, the full membership of Ankara will strengthen the EU’s institutional profile as promoting security in various areas, including energy, as a global actor,” the article said.

It noted that, “Consequently, Turkey’s accession to the EU is a historic opportunity that should not be missed both by Turkey and the EU. Being in full awareness of such a strategic opportunity, Italy has always been alongside Turkey in her gateway to Brussels, exerted efforts in every platform so as to carry the accession negotiations a step further, looked for new avenues for purposes of putting an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and been working to initiate the process that will lead up to visa exemption, a fundamental element in getting Turkey and especially her people closer to Europe. Turkey appreciates and takes heart from Italy’s precious support. The unique fraternal relations symbolized by Italy’s support rendered for Turkey’s EU goal fosters the strategic partnership of our countries in all areas. Today’s forum, which takes its strength from the intense dialogue we have succeeded establishing on every issue, represents the meeting ground of traditions belonging to those civilizations sharing common values.”

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Frattini – Davutoglu: « The EU must not shut Turkey out » (la Repubblica)

Dear Editor,

Italy and Turkey have always been two important pilasters in the peace and security of the region of Europe and the Mediterranean. Rome and Istanbul are two large cities in the Mediterranean, the cradle of civilisation.

Our cooperation “model” draws its strength from our history of friendship and millenary reciprocal influence. The intense existing relations between our governments and peoples are the tangible proof that this heritage is still intact.

Our countries are pursuing common political objectives, first and foremost among them Turkey’s full membership in the European Union.

Negotiations began a little over five years ago, and since then Italy has never wavered in its support of Turkey’s European prospects. Unfortunately, the accession process has been slow, not least as a result of the numerous political reservations voiced by some Member States not pertinent to the technical negotiations. Turkey must continue to work at enacting internal reforms, thereby adapting to the Community acquis; but the EU must do its part in supporting Turkey’s efforts. We cannot shut Turkey out on the pretext of differences to European culture and law. This would mean denying that one of the keys to the success of the European political construction is its unique ability to harmonise and amalgamate differing political and cultural systems in a common area of shared values.

A young and dynamic nation, Turkey is changing rapidly for the better, in line with its legitimate aspirations to be part of the European family. Only ten years ago the country was coming out of a dramatic crisis, and today Turkey is one of the most dynamic economies in Europe, with 10% growth in the second quarter of 2010. It is also a member of the G20. Turkey’s accession can therefore contribute to strengthening the EU’s economic dynamism and competitiveness.

Thanks to a constitutional package that recently took effect, Turkey has also taken some major steps forward with regard to adapting to Community norms and standards.

Turkey’s foreign policy coincides to a great extent with the EU’s from the point of view of vision, values, ends and means. Turkey belongs, at one and the same time, to Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, where it pursues an active, multidimensional foreign policy on behalf of strengthening peace and regional stability. Its accession could thus contribute to strengthening the EU’s profile as a global actor and promoter of security, as well as on the energy front.

Turkey’s EU integration is an unparalleled historic opportunity for the EU and for the country itself. For this reasons, Italy has always stood by Turkey’s side in this demanding bid for membership, and has been active in every arena to encourage negotiations. Turkey draws strength from Italy’s support, for which it is profoundly grateful. This relationship of brotherly friendship sees in Italy’s support for Turkey’s dream a solid anchor, and is nourished daily by the strategic partnership that unites us in all fields through joint initiatives and intense dialogue on all topics.

Related:

«Turkey’s “silent revolution” on the way to Europe» by Minister Frattini and Foreign Minister of Turkey Davutoglu