Turkey and the EU – a common journey
by Paavo Lipponen, George A. Papandreou and Poul Nyrup Rasmussen
The opening of accession negotiations between the European Union and Turkey is the start of long road. It should be seen from the outset as a common journey. Instead of travelling separately, or in different directions, Europe and Turkey should travel together, with Turkish membership of the European Union as the intended destination. It is a journey that, even with the patience that will be required on both sides, cannot be sure to end in EU membership.
The Party of European Socialists supports Turkey’s European aspirations and wants to help Turkey complete this journey successfully. A recent PES high-level delegation to Turkey confirmed that progressive forces and civil society in Turkey see EU entry as the best way to secure democracy, freedom, human and minority rights, stability and economic prosperity.
We strongly support the United Nations “alliance of civilisations” initiative led by Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. We hope it can show the world that values such as democracy, equal rights and respect for the rule of law are not peculiar to one religion or region, but can be embraced by all.
The progress made by Turkey in recent years is impressive. The pace of reform has been continuous and economic growth substantial. But there is still a very long way to go. Turkey must deliver much more profound changes. Reforms need implementation, as well as approval in the Turkish Parliament. The new dynamic created by the start of accession negotiations needs to be carried forward into deeper reform across Turkish society – its administration, justice system, and economy. As Socialists, we will be looking for progress in freedom of expression, the rights of women, workers, trade unions, and minorities. Religious rights must also be strengthened including the reopening of the Halki Theological College of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate. Continued economic expansion will also be important. Unlike Conservatives, who want to impose tough conditions to prevent membership, we Socialists are demanding in order to enable membership.
The commitment of the Turkish government to transform the country, and the enthusiasm of civil society for change, are genuine. This positive attitude should be encouraged by the European Union. At the same time, the European Union must make it clear that membership will not be granted automatically: Turkey needs to fulfil the requirements in full. Accession negotiations do not mean bargaining over which criteria Turkey meets. The rules of entry are clear and cannot be changed. Nor should Turkey regard the reform process as a series of concessions to the European Union.These reforms will be positive for the Turkish people.
Turkey's record on human and minority rights and the inordinate power of the military are big obstacles to membership. A peaceful political solution that takes into account Kurdish rights is needed to bring stability to south east Turkey. Good neighbourly relations are an important step in Turkey´s European direction. Turkey must fully implement the customs union agreement with all EU member states, including Cyprus. Turkey must recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
A viable solution in Cyprus, within the framework of United Nations resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded, will ensure that both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can enjoy the full benefits of EU membership. Both Cypriot communities must contribute to reaching a solution at an early date.
Most people’s fears in Europe about Turkish entry to the EU are not founded on hostility to Turkey, but insecurity about rising unemployment, slow economic growth, and deficient social security in a globalised economy. The increase in cultural and social contacts between Greece and Turkey in recent years needs to be replicated across the EU. On Turkey’s part, speeding up the reform process will convince European citizens it deserves to join their community of values. A modern Turkey with strong democratic institutions is the surest way to ensure popular support for Turkey’s accession.
Paavo Lipponen is the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, former Prime Minister of Finland and Chair of the PES High Level Advisory Group on Turkey.
George A. Papandreou is Leader of Greek Socialist Party PASOK, former Foreign Minister of Greece and Vice Chair of the PES High Level Advisory Group on Turkey.
Poul Nyrup Rasmussen is President of the Party of European Socialists and former Prime Minister of Denmark.
The Party of European Socialists High Level Advisory Group on Turkey visited Turkey 12-13 October. Members of the delegation were: Paavo Lipponen, George Papandreou, Morgan Johansson (Swedish Minister for Public Health), Tadeusz Iwinski MP (Poland), Jan Marinus Wiersma MEP; Emine Bozkurt MEP; Carlos Carnero MEP; Casper Einem MP (Austria); Luciano Vecchi and Philip Cordery.
