Is Turkey ready for Europe?

Abstract:

Brussels has delayed a decision on whether to admit Turkey to the EU. This caution is wise: it may aggravate the Turks, but no one really knows what consequences accession would bring, and Turkey has yet to achieve Europe's economic standards. History suggests that open borders would bring many Turks northward looking for better jobs - a negative development for all the countries involved.

This paper argues that Brussels in effect pushed down the road what has become a fundamental debate on the continent: should Turkey ever be admitted to the EU? This ambivalence reflects what has become the position of many of Europe's individual leaders an attitude that can best be described as 'yes-but'. Many of Europe's politicians now seem willing to recognise Turkey as an official candidate but only once it becomes more like them. This means greater respect for human rights and a reduced role in government affairs for Turkey's military. And it also means that Ankara must demonstrate sustained economic growth, enough to minimise the Turkish emigration that many fear will result from its admission to the EU.

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