"If and when Turkey Joins the European Union
By: Elias H. Tuma*
The European Union (EU) has promised to begin negotiations with Turkey sometime in 2005 for admitting Turkey it the Union. By doing so the EU acknowledges that Turkey has taken important steps to qualify for membership. Turkey has reaffirmed its official position as a secular state, has abolished the death penalty, and has improved the status of women. Turkey has also been cognizant of the need to take steps to comply with the economic requirements of the EU, especially regarding budget deficit, current account, and trade regulations. The negotiations will presumably assess the degree of compliance with the EU terms that has been realized, and make recommendations for remaining steps to fully qualify. The negotiations will thus be a part of the process of admittance to the EU membership, which may take up to ten years, according to some observers. 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, all of which contribute to its new status."
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