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Turkey’s EU membership process frozen in cold ‘European winter’
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| 1. |
11 Dec 2011 Sun 08:18 pm |
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Turkey’s EU membership process frozen in cold ‘European winter’
Turkey’s EU Minister Egemen Bağış is seen with European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle in a joint press conference on July when the EU minister paid a visit to Turkey. It is expected to be taken significant steps in EU summit which kicked off Dec. 9 in Brussels regarding Turkey-EU relations while Turkey has stepped up its criticism of the Union’s appraoch toward Turkey especially in Cyprus dispute. (PHOTO AA, RIZA ÖZEL)
While European corridors in Brussels are abuzz with debates on whether Turkey could be a model or source of an inspiration for the Arab Spring, Turkey’s European journey, it seems, has turned into a European Winter.
No chapters have been opened at the last three term presidencies that mean roughly one and half years when Croatia, the country which started accession talks exactly at the same day with Turkey, has signed the accession treaty yesterday. Croatia will be the 28th member of EU on July the 1st, 2013. The main stumbling block, as it is since the late 1990s, seems to be the Republic of Cyprus, i.e., Greek Cypriots, a one-issue country obsessed with Turkey as it is called in Brussels. I use the term “seems” as nobody is sure whether Turkey will get closer to the goal of membership if, magically, Cyprus problem is sorted out the other day.
The monumental Cypriot problem obstructing Turks’ 53 years-old march towards European Union has once again been strongly referred to in the EU Summit that ended yesterday. The basic message is: if you want to continue to open the chapters, you need to sort out the Cyprus problem. But no guarantee of a membership. Nobody knows how long the process will take if it ever ends with accession.
The conclusions of EU foreign ministers that were endorsed by EU leaders yesterday simply point to the fact that the EU was willing to give the Christofias administration what it had asked for. The latest salvos by the Turkish government not only criticizing the EU’s stance on Turkey but also ridiculing the economic situation of Europe has emboldened and strengthened the Greek Cypriot position. Capitalizing on what President Abdullah Gül said during his recent visit to Britain, Greek Cypriots have been successful in convincing their fellow Europeans to toughen the language on Turkey in the conclusions. Gül, apparently angry at how the EU had handled the Cypriot problem, had called the EU “a miserable union,” which echoed very badly not only in Brussels but also in some member countries’ capitals.
EU reiterated her full support for Greek Cypriots in their oil and gas exploration, while at the same time declaring their solidarity with the upcoming Greek Cypriot presidency in the latter part of 2012. Regretting the Turkish declaration that all talks would be suspended during Greek Cypriots’ presidency, the EU stressed that the term presidency was a right and stemmed from the EU constitution. On Turkey’s attitude vis-à-vis oil and gas exploration, EU said: “In line with the Negotiating Framework and previous European Council and Council conclusions, the Council underlines that Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighborly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice. In this context, the Union urges the avoidance of any kind of threat, source of friction or actions that could damage good neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Furthermore, the EU stresses again all the sovereign rights of EU member states which include, inter alia, entering into bilateral agreements, in accordance with the EU acquis and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
In what has become a rule now, the EU also referred to the Additional Protocol and the lack of recognition of Greek Cyprus by Turkey. European leaders said: Recalling its conclusions of Dec. 11, 2006, and the declaration of Sept. 21, 2005, the Council notes with deep regret that Turkey, despite repeated calls, continues refusing to fulfill its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement. In the absence of progress on this issue, the Council will maintain its measures from 2006, which will have a continuous effect on the overall progress of the negotiations. Furthermore, Turkey has still not made progress towards the necessary normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The Council invites the Commission to monitor closely and specifically report on all issues covered by the declaration of the European Community and its member states of Sept. 21, 2005, in its forthcoming annual report. On this basis, the Council will continue to closely follow and review progress made, in accordance with its conclusions of Dec. 11, 2006, and Dec. 14, 2010. Progress is now expected without further delay.
It was not only the Greek Cypriots’ who wanted to toughen the language but also the French whose allergy against the word “accession” persisted when it comes to Turkey. France did not want to see the words “accession” and “Turkey” together in the Turkish part of the conclusions. While EU leaders mentioned the word accession 11 times for Croatia, 5 times for Iceland, 2 times for Montenegro, which has not even started accession talks, once for both Serbia and Albania, who are not even declared candidates, the word “accession” was not used for Turkey. The conclusions were not all bad. There were positive notes on constitutional reform, civilian oversight over the military and the economy, but also criticism on deficiencies in fundamental freedoms, first and foremost in freedom of expression and press.
On the increasingly active Turkish foreign policy, the EU was somewhat ambivalent; welcoming the candidate country’s active and positive role on the one hand, but hesitant about the possible fallout on the other; hence, calling for a coordinated foreign policy with Brussels.
“Turkey has continued to be active in its wider neighborhood and remains an important regional player in the Middle East, the Western Balkans, Afghanistan/Pakistan, the Southern Caucasus and the Horn of Africa. In line with the principles set out in the Negotiating Framework, the Council encourages Turkey to develop its foreign policy as a complement to and in coordination with the EU and to progressively align with EU policies and positions. In this regard, the Council remains committed to further reinforcing the EU’s existing political dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.” said the EU statement.
Every indication shows, for the time being, that Turkey’s European Winter will be a long one. Croatia, which started accession talks on Oct. 3, 2005, together with Turkey, will be a member as of July 1, 2013, while Turkey has only been able to close one single chapter out of 35. One chapter in six years means hundreds of years to complete them successfully as long as the current political climate dominates Europe.
Brussells Sunday’s zaman.
Note : All I can say is that I am sick of seeing the EU´s unjust approach to Turkiye.
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| 2. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 10:48 am |
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Why? What has EU done to you or Turkiye?
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| 3. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 11:18 am |
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Why? What has EU done to you or Turkiye?
Where are you living ? Dont you read news paper or watch TV ?
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| 4. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 11:29 am |
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Where are you living ? Dont you read news paper or watch TV ?
I think she is living in "Lemon World" which is a planet that no scientist was able to discover it yet. 
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| 5. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 11:34 am |
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"Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it."
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| 6. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 11:39 am |
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Why? What has EU done to you or Turkiye?
Personally, EU hasnt done anything to me yet. It would do something if we ever go into EU. Most probably the prices would rocket up. And its silly regulations would limit our life-style.. It would bring more harm than benefits to us. Therefore I rather support to form other unions such as " TU" [Turkic Union] or MEU [Middle East Union] or OTU [Ottoman Union]....
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| 7. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 11:56 am |
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"Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it."
Abla, Başa gelen çekilir. 
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| 8. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 12:30 pm |
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I think she is living in "Lemon World" which is a planet that no scientist was able to discover it yet.
To be honest, I am not watching TV neither I read papers.
Why? Why is Tunci angry with EU? Has EU harmed Tunci? Cut off his hands or ears? Killed his beloved?
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| 9. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 12:31 pm |
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Personally, EU hasnt done anything to me yet. It would do something if we ever go into EU. Most probably the prices would rocket up. And its silly regulations would limit our life-style.. It would bring more harm than benefits to us. Therefore I rather support to form other unions such as " TU" [Turkic Union] or MEU [Middle East Union] or OTU [Ottoman Union]....
Then why were you angry?
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| 10. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 01:06 pm |
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First, I am NOT angry. I am sick of bunch of European politician´s double starndart approach with Turkiye. There is a difference. Their excuises and fear of potential Turkiye´s EU membership by thinking that We might invade Europe. they have other fears and political, religious ,racist concerns too...But after all silly things , they need us more than we need them for long term.
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| 11. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 01:39 pm |
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Why is Tunci angry with EU?............ Cut off his hands or ears?
That might be something more important else? 
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| 12. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 01:44 pm |
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That might be something more important else?
Such as ?
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| 13. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 01:48 pm |
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"Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it."
Why did I have to mention it? Now I cannot be in peace until I know how to say it in Turkish. Tried
Bir şey istediğinde dikkatli ol onu verebilirsin
but it sounds left-handed and just like there is something missing - there is this conditional in the second part of the English sentence. Besides, this is supposed to be a well known saying and Google doesn´t ring a bell (and I don´t mean the translator for God´s sake).
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| 14. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 01:52 pm |
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And whats wrong with being left handed apparently we make the best sportsmen/women
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| 15. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:13 pm |
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To be honest, deli, I just bagged the word from an online dictionary because it sounded better than the ones I usually use. Or more laid-back and convincing just like I spoke English all the time.
At least I know that left-footed footballers are valuable. Besides, if you watch TV news about highest education and they show a backgroud image from the polytechnic, all the students there write with their left.
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| 16. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:17 pm |
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its ok I was just kidding with you, but yes I am left handed and left footed and yes I can play a mean game of foottie ,well, in my younger days anyway
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| 17. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:21 pm |
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"Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it."
Why did I have to mention it? Now I cannot be in peace until I know how to say it in Turkish. Tried
Bir şey istediğinde dikkatli ol onu verebilirsin
but it sounds left-handed and just like there is something missing - there is this conditional in the second part of the English sentence. Besides, this is supposed to be a well known saying and Google doesn´t ring a bell (and I don´t mean the translator for God´s sake).
The closest literal translation for it would be ;
Ne dilediğine dikkat et çünkü gerçekleşebilir.[başına gelebilir].
But , I am thinking if we have a proverb or saying that is an exact equivalent of it in Turkish.
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| 18. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:30 pm |
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But you are right, deli, the use of right and left in language often shows discrimination. In the Islamic culture right is often connected to righteousness (you see, even in English). In the Arabic Qur´an there is talk about ahl-il-yameen (people of the right) and ahl-il-shamaal (people of the left). The Jewish name Benjamin means ´the boy of the right´ etc. In the old days left-handed children were often forced to learn how to act with their right. Partly this is a misunderstanding: in the Islamic sunnah the only thing that you are not allowed to do with your left is eating. But this is how language reflects attitudes.
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| 19. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:39 pm |
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To be honest, I am not watching TV neither I read papers.
Why? Why is Tunci angry with EU? Has EU harmed Tunci? Cut off his hands or ears? Killed his beloved?
I think, when you read/watch news or search something about it, you will understand tunci easily
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| 20. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 02:44 pm |
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First, I am NOT angry. I am sick of bunch of European politician´s double starndart approach with Turkiye. There is a difference. Their excuises and fear of potential Turkiye´s EU membership by thinking that We might invade Europe. they have other fears and political, religious ,racist concerns too...But after all silly things , they need us more than we need them for long term.
All you say is true. EU indeed is scared that Turks will invade EU. They have already partly done so (in the far past and today). Yes, there are other political and religious fears. Those fears have their grounds, they are not fictional. The experience shows that. Constant terror acts and demographic growth of Turks and other asians across Europe.
Now having said that above, I should say it is even better that Turkey doents join EU. You and others repeatedly have mentioned the reasons why shouldnt Turkey be let into EU. Turkey is doing far well without EU. I personally do not view this union positively now for couple of years. It looks good, but its not doing well in fact.
I think the good luck has turned away from the west and is accumulating in the east slowly but steadily. A few years ago not many people would confirm the potential and wealth of China.
If you agree with me if EU isnt good for Turkey then why do you get cross with the opinion of EU? Why is every Turk is unhappy when EU rejects access for Turkey?
It gives me a thought that truly deep in your heart you DO WISH to be part of EU. And whenever it rejects it makes you angry, otherwise why care?
Lets say that I have applied for the membership of one popular club, filled in all possible papers, submitted, in return I received an answer to fulfill certain conditions, quite a big list. So I try and re-apply again and again every year. Meanwhile I have prosperred myself and started observing the negative fruits of the club. What do I do? Keep applying or gladly withdraw and concentrate on my own business and multiply my own wealth?
I would chose the second option. And would never mention the club again and show no regret, anger or disappointment with anything associated with the club.
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| 22. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 03:44 pm |
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I am leaving in France and the thing is that European greatest fear is about the religion and loosing theyr identity. I assume turkish people would be christianal tradition it is a long time you guys would be a part of EU. They would need an economic whealthy being such as Turkey´s. They know it. But it is not a good time for Turkey to enter EU : Euros money is killing us everything is soooo expensive and people are becoming more and more poor.
You know what it is : when a country is in economical crisis people accuse foreigners for that problem. And this is what happening right now in France.
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| 23. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 04:14 pm |
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I am leaving in France and the thing is that European greatest fear is about the religion and loosing theyr identity. I assume turkish people would be christianal tradition it is a long time you guys would be a part of EU. They would need an economic whealthy being such as Turkey´s. They know it. But it is not a good time for Turkey to enter EU : Euros money is killing us everything is soooo expensive and people are becoming more and more poor.
You know what it is : when a country is in economical crisis people accuse foreigners for that problem. And this is what happening right now in France.
I think your (France) problem is SARKOZY. You must solve that firstly and than you can solve your economic problems...
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| 24. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 04:28 pm |
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I couln´t not said it better lol. We all are waiting to see what will be our next president...
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| 25. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 04:35 pm |
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Soon Armenian suicide aguments will start in there, because of elections.
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| 26. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 04:47 pm |
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Wher? In Turkey? or France
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| 27. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 05:22 pm |
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In France of course, You cant face up to your history thats why you are struggling with our´s... You have funny politicians in there... We are having fun whilst watching them...
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| 28. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 06:19 pm |
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All you say is true. EU indeed is scared that Turks will invade EU. They have already partly done so (in the far past and today). Yes, there are other political and religious fears. Those fears have their grounds, they are not fictional. The experience shows that. Constant terror acts and demographic growth of Turks and other asians across Europe.
Now having said that above, I should say it is even better that Turkey doents join EU. You and others repeatedly have mentioned the reasons why shouldnt Turkey be let into EU. Turkey is doing far well without EU. I personally do not view this union positively now for couple of years. It looks good, but its not doing well in fact.
I think the good luck has turned away from the west and is accumulating in the east slowly but steadily. A few years ago not many people would confirm the potential and wealth of China.
If you agree with me if EU isnt good for Turkey then why do you get cross with the opinion of EU? Why is every Turk is unhappy when EU rejects access for Turkey?
It gives me a thought that truly deep in your heart you DO WISH to be part of EU. And whenever it rejects it makes you angry, otherwise why care?
Lets say that I have applied for the membership of one popular club, filled in all possible papers, submitted, in return I received an answer to fulfill certain conditions, quite a big list. So I try and re-apply again and again every year. Meanwhile I have prosperred myself and started observing the negative fruits of the club. What do I do? Keep applying or gladly withdraw and concentrate on my own business and multiply my own wealth?
I would chose the second option. And would never mention the club again and show no regret, anger or disappointment with anything associated with the club.
Well, this post of yours was for tunci, but as he is my dear hoca (I jump on my feet and button my jacket every time I see his name on this forum) and you the best online friend of mine, I feel free to place my nose in this topic which you two probably will start to fight very soon!
"all you say is true" is a good start and probably that will make hoca think as if all what he sad in his entire life is true! You don´t have to spoil him this way!.. Anyway, I can´t say the same for the rest of your post. There are some things that he would easily go mad on! (someone should inform me if the proper particle is by here? ).
Anyway, this is just to let you know that I will take your side ..
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| 29. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 06:56 pm |
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Well, this post of yours was for tunci, but as he is my dear hoca (I jump on my feet and button my jacket every time I see his name on this forum) and you the best online friend of mine, I feel free to place my nose in this topic which you two probably will start to fight very soon!
"all you say is true" is a good start and probably that will make hoca think as if all what he sad in his entire life is true! You don´t have to spoil him this way!.. Anyway, I can´t say the same for the rest of your post. There are some things that he would easily go mad on! (someone should inform me if the proper particle is by here? ).
Anyway, this is just to let you know that I will take your side ..
I tell you what Scalpel, You are the most successful provocator I have ever witnessed in my entire life..Thanks for your kind words but I intend not to fight with Lemon.
Last words for this topic on my side would be ;
EU membership is Turkey´s state policy. We have been waiting for fully membership for long time. In the past Western Europe countries such as Germany,Holland..etc were attractive to people because of its economic ,social opportunities. But in recent years Europe started to lose its attractiveness, and what we see now is they are on the loosing road. Life in Europe is getting more difficult each day. But it is still a state policy whether people like it or not. What we need to do is to take this issue to the referandum may be. So that according to result of referandum we would decide to go on or quit negotiations with EU.
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| 30. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 07:31 pm |
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Last words for this topic on my side would be ;
EU membership is Turkey´s state policy. We have been waiting for fully membership for long time. In the past Western Europe countries such as Germany,Holland..etc were attractive to people because of its economic ,social opportunities. But in recent years Europe started to lose its attractiveness, and what we see now is they are on the loosing road. Life in Europe is getting more difficult each day. But it is still a state policy whether people like it or not. What we need to do is to take this issue to the referandum may be. So that according to result of referandum we would decide to go on or quit negotiations with EU.
Hocam, I agree with you.. we should not board on a ship with the name EU which is sinking..our raft maybe a a bit primitive but yet safe enough.. 
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| 31. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:11 pm |
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I like your comment, lemon.
There is one thing we all should learn from the Americans. It is positive thinking. Too often we stick into unfair things that happened in the past, things that people say about us or what we think they say about us, into stupid arrogance and jealous thoughts instead of encouraging each other and holding fast to the good things we have. Correct me if I am wrong but I have a feeling Turks are not free of these sins.
Turkey is in a drive now in many fields of life. It neither has to beg for acceptance nor look down to other nations. It’s time to work for economy, good treatment of minorities, regional security, freedom of word and strengthening of democracy. None of these things will ever get ready and done but it’s always possible to take steps to the right direction.
When we don’t see but one solution only it’s called obsession. As individuals we get obsessed with things like money, love and acceptance, honour and revenge. It’s difficult enough for one person to get rid of his fixations but it is a million times harder for a nation. If a whole nation feels insulted, turned back and badly treated it’s difficult to rise up and do big things.
I love Europe and wouldn’t change my red EU passport for anything, not even my old national one. It’s more for historical and cultural reasons than anything else. I personally want to see Turkey as a member of EU because it would make the Union stronger, not only stronger against the rest of the world but better prepared for cooperation. My hope is that the beast of nationalism and fear for different cultures that has recently risen in many European countries would give road to the best European heritage.
Take it as an option. Do your homework, pay attention to the right things. Listen to good advice. Encourage each other for better work. Take good use of your national pride and don’t turn it into negative isolation. The membership may come or new, different opportunities may arise.
Edited (12/12/2011) by Abla
Edited (12/12/2011) by Abla
[Wrong words and mixed sentences which all appeared while I was posting.]
Edited (12/12/2011) by Abla
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| 32. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:16 pm |
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Abla why I cant see your post ? It happens quite often nowadays
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| 33. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:19 pm |
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I like your comment, lemon.
There is one thing we all should learn from the Americans. It is positive thinking. Too often we stick into unfair things that happened in the past, things that people say about us or what we think they say about us, into stupid arrogance and jealous thoughts instead of encouraging each other and holding fast to the good things we have. Correct me if I am wrong but I have a feeling Turks are not free of these sins.
Turkey is in a drive now in many fields of life. It neither has to beg for acceptance nor look down to other nations. It’s time to work for economy, good treatment of minorities, regional security, freedom of word and strengthening of democracy. None of these things will ever get ready and done but it’s always possible to take steps to the right direction.
When we don’t see but one solution only it’s called obsession. As individuals we get obsessed with things like money, love and acceptance, honour and revenge. It’s difficult enough for one person to get rid of his fixations but it is a million times harder for a nation. If a whole nation feels insulted, turned back and badly treated it’s difficult to rise up and do big things.
I love Europe and wouldn’t change my red EU passport for anything, not even my old national one. It’s more for historical and cultural reasons than anything else. I personally want to see Turkey as a member of EU because it would make the Union stronger. I don’t mean only stronger against the rest of the world but better prepared for cooperation. My hope is that the beast of nationalism and fear for different cultures that has recently risen in many European countries would give road to the best European heritage.
Take it as an option. Do your homework, pay attention to the right things. Listen to good advice. Encourage each other for better work. Take good use of your national pride and don’t turn it into negative isolation. The membership may come or new, different opportunities may arise.
For you, tunci. I hope it appears this time.
Edited (12/12/2011) by Abla
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| 34. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:22 pm |
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No , its still not ...
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| 35. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:24 pm |
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Oh, I´m sorry. I wonder if anyone can see a thing. (I have posted a lot today, maybe it´s all white in your eyes.)
Edited (12/12/2011) by Abla
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| 36. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:26 pm |
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Obviously you can see , but I wonder if it is only me or others cant see your post either ?
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| 37. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 08:34 pm |
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Can anyone tell me if you guys can see the posts after number 31 [and including 31] ???
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| 38. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 09:18 pm |
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Can anyone tell me if you guys can see the posts after number 31 [and including 31] ???
For me it´s all ok Tunci Hoca. They are all visible.
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| 39. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 10:16 pm |
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Can anyone tell me if you guys can see the posts after number 31 [and including 31] ???
I can see ´em all
Use this glasses hocam
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| 40. |
12 Dec 2011 Mon 10:23 pm |
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I guess, I am blocked by someone .. Neyse, bu da varmış kaderimizde ..
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What else it could be?