"EU membership means vital change for Turkey
By Elias H. Tuma
Commentary by
Thursday, January 06, 2005
The European Union (EU) has promised to begin accession negotiations with Turkey sometime in 2005. By doing so the EU acknowledged that Turkey had taken significant measures to qualify for membership Indeed, Turkey has reaffirmed its official position as a secular state, has abolished the death penalty and has improved the status of women. It has also understood the need to take steps to comply with the EU's economic requirements, especially regarding its budget deficit, its current account and trade regulations. The negotiations, which may take up to 10 years, will presumably assess the degree of Turkish compliance with the EU terms that was realized, and make recommendations for remaining steps for it to fully qualify. Even so, if and when Turkey gains admission it will have achieved a breakthrough by elevating its status from a traditional developing country to a modern fairly developed country. It will also have undergone a revolutionary transformation in its state philosophy, institutions and system of administration. Turkey will benefit diplomatically, psychologically and nationalistically if it joins the EU, as well as economically, technologically and qualitatively. It will enjoy the EU's open market and Turkish laborers will be able to compete for opportunities within that larger market."
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