Friday, 13 December, 2002, 12:52 GMT Thorny issues for the EU
US sees Turkey as invaluable ally in the war with Iraq
A sharp debate has erupted following the European Union's decision that Turkey will have to wait at least two more years before it is invited to start negotiations on membership.
Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has strongly criticised the decision – while the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, defended the EU's handling of Turkey's application to join.
Britain is one of the countries which has argued that paving the way for Turkish membership of the EU would send a positive signal to the Muslim world.
It would show that Europe was not anti-Muslim – and that a modern Muslim country is capable of being integrated with the West.
But as the mood in Copenhagen descends into mutual recrimination, it is clear that the Turkish question has become entangled with a whole host of issues that are not easy to reconcile.
The relationship between Islam and the West is only one of them.
Europe's concern
For the United States, the issue is essentially strategic. As it prepares for a possible war against Iraq, it sees Turkey as an invaluable ally.
The Europeans see that as only one issue among many – and resent the heavy pressure President Bush has brought to bear on them.
They see integrating Turkey as a huge challenge, and one that cannot be rushed. For some EU members, the priority is human rights.
Others fear that Turkish membership – and the free movement of Turkish workers throughout Europe – would fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.
When tempers have cooled, it may become possible for Turkey and the EU to realise the historic significance of what has been achieved at Copenhagen.
This is that Europe is preparing to redefine itself in an important way, and that this gives Turkey a unique chance to complete its transition to democracy and modernity.
But the other message from this summit is that historic change takes time, and needs imaginative leadership on all sides.
See also:
13 Dec 02 | EuropeAnalysis: Turkey's EU dismay
11 Dec 02 | EuropeBush backs Turkey's EU efforts
13 Dec 02 | EuropeEU poised for historic deal
12 Dec 02 | EuropeUN envoy says Cyprus deal close
12 Dec 02 | EuropeCzech farmers protest against EU deal
Internet links:
Danish EU Presidency websiteEuropean Union onlineTurkish Presidency
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