Turkey is one of three countries which has recently applied for membership to the E. It is situated in South Eastern Europe, and has borders with Iraq, Iran, Armenia, Syria, Georgia and Bulgaria. The country has a population estimated at around 70 million, which would make it one of the largest member states of the E.U. if accepted. Its governing party is the Islamic based Justice and Development Party (AK), whos leader is Prime Minister is Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's President is Ahmet Necdet Sezer. One of Turkey's main sources of income is tourism, it also has a large agriculture industry which accounts for more than 40% of employment. It is classed as a 'moderate' muslim country and if accepted would be the first muslim country in the E.U. The main language of Turkey is 'Turkish' and its currency is the 'Lira' . I am going to look at the reasons for and against Turkey joining the E.U.
First I am going to examine the reasons against Turkey joining the E.U. As I have previously mentioned Turkey has borders with Iraq, Iran and Syria. IT is considered by some to be part the Middle East, and therefore not a European country at all. If Turkey is included in the E.U. then which other countries might try to join? Israel perhaps? It could set a trend for countries like Morocco which is only a short boat trip from Spain, who could claim to have some geographical right to join the E.U. As stated by the German Conservative Angela Merkel, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), at their annual congress in Leipzig.
"Europe has limits, We want a special partnership with Turkey but not as a full member of the EU -- that would stretch the capacity of EU integration too far." [Angela Merkel head of CDU, EU Business Mon Dec 1st 2003].
Another key factor for dissaproval of Turkey's acceptance is its appaling human rights record. It has been condemned by Amnesty International for its record of the abuse of human rights for many years.