Brussels bristles with criticism of Turkey

On Wednesday the European Commission issued its much anticipated report on Turkey’s progress towards membership of the European Union. The report’s findings were fairly predictable. There was criticism that Ankara hasn’t done enough to further freedom of expression, religion and minority rights. But issues involving Cyprus could derail Turkey’s membership negotiations. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul said his country was determined to meet all the EU’s requirements on democratic reform. But the government in Ankara also says that the EU needs to deliver on promises it’s made. Many Turks are increasingly sceptical of EU membership. Deutsche Welle’s Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul on reaction to the European Commission’s report. 

The eyes of the nation were on Brussels as the European Commission issued its report. But it was not good news for the country. Ankara was criticized for lack of progress regardless of whether it was freedom of expression, religious rights or Cyprus. But Foreign Minister Abdulllah Gul tired to put a positive spin on its contents.

"Certainly it talks about successes and shortcomings that Turkey is experiencing. We must do what is required of us and will correct the problems stemming from implementation. But our partners must support us."

Such optimism was based on the belief that it could have been a lot worse. The commission’s report stopped short of making any recommendations for sanctions. Brussels seemed anxious to give Ankara more time to make reforms before next month‘s EU summit. The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this week met with NGO’s to discuss the reform of the controversial article 301, a key demand in the EU report. The law criminalizes statements against Turkishness and has led to the prosecution of numerous writers, including Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk. But the ruling Ak party, which is mindful of general elections due next year, is increasingly concerned about public opinion. Many Turks, like student Ayse Gonul, feel that Brussels is looking for excuses to keep Turkey out of the EU.

 

"They in fact do not want us because of our culture, our religion, our living style. It is all about us. This indicates prejudice towards our country and to our culture. But I believe that Turkey does not need the European Union to be a powerful or strong country."

Last month, nationalists protested after the lower hourse of the French parliament voted to criminalize the denial of genocide against Armenians in Turkey 90 years ago. Nationalism is on the rise here in Turkey, fuelled by growing anti European sentiments. According to the latest opinion polls, support for the EU has plummeted with only a third of the population now supporting the country’s membership bid.

This week, parliamentarians discussed laws aimed at giving greater freedom to the country’s Christian minority - another demand in the EU's report. But the opposition is refusing to support the reform and the government is reluctant to proceed without a consensus, fearing that it will be accused of selling out to Brussels. It‘s that fear, which is also making it difficult to progress on the thorniest question of all, the divided island of Cyprus. The EU is demanding Turkey honors its commitment under the Ankara protocol to open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships. But the Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul says the EU must also honor its commitment to lift an economic embargo against Turkish side of the island

"We will not take any unilateral steps. We are also expecting the European Union to fulfill its commitments."

But the lifting of the embargo is being blocked by the Greek Cypriots. Finland, which holds the EU presidency, is working hard to find a compromise before next month‘s EU summit. But some are now questioning whether such compromises with Europe are in Turkey’s best interests. One of those people is Aramgan Kuloglu, the head of the Turkish think tank, Strategic. He says that Turkey should look beyond Europe.

"Turkey can continue its relations with the European countries and Turkey can also continue and create and increase its relations with Russia, China and the United States.  Turkey has existed for 83 years as a republic, without the Europeans, and Turkey can also live in the future without the European Union."

Until recently, the Turkish government dismissed the idea of simply having a special partnership with the EU. Full membership of the bloc was the only option under consideration. But times are changing in Turkey. Many believe the question of Turkey’s membership bid will be settled by midnight negotiations on the eve of next month‘s EU summit. But more and more Turks are asking whether it's really worth the effort.

Listen to the report:

Tags cyprus, eu enlargement, european commission, human rights, religion, turkey

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