EU Membership As A Political Unification
Turkey’s first application for full membership in the EEC was made in 1959, and the association agreement was signed in 1963, which aimed to establish a partnership between Turkey and the EEC. The agreement aimed to strengthen trade and economic relations between the parties, to accelerate Turkey’s economic development, and improve the employment and living conditions of the Turkish people. Turkey’s political figures’ speeches from different political contexts demonstrate the argument that Turkey’s European integration has been a full political process.
In 1948 Necmeddin Sadak, the first Turkish ambassador to the European Economic Community (EEC) from 1963 to 1965, emphasized that Turkey was a part of Europe, that it defended the peace and prosperity of Europe, that it wanted to join the European Pact, and that it was open to cultural and economic cooperation with Europe (Atatürk Ansiklopedisi).
Feridun Cemal Erkin gave a speech on the EESC in 1964, in which he stated that the EESC was not exclusively an economic institution, but also the beginning of a political reunification of Europe. “The EESC is not only an economic institution, but also a political one. It is the beginning of a political reunification of Europe.”
One of the examples of Turkey seeing the European Union as a realm of political reunification is from Nihat Erim, the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1971 to 1972. Erim gave a speech on the EEC in 1962, commenting on Greece’s accession to the Common Market. He said: “When Greece got into the Common Market, it has identified itself with the political and European solidarity.” also “… Turkey believes that the Common Market is not only an economic organization but also a political one.”
Moreover, Turkey’s eagerness to join the EU has been also shaped by the domestic policies of EU member states, such as France, Germany, Greece, and Cyprus, who have expressed different views and interests on Turkey’s membership, and who have used their veto power to block or delay Turkey’s progress. France has been one of the most vocal opponents of Turkey’s membership, as it has argued that Turkey does not belong to Europe, culturally and geographically, and that Turkey’s membership would dilute the European identity and project. For instance, in 2004 one of the aims of Sarkozy was to avoid Turkey’s membership, and he demanded that Turkey’s membership should be subject to a referendum in France and that Turkey should recognize the Armenian genocide, which Turkey denies. Hence, considering the increasing right-wing politics and public opinion’s stance in the EU member states, Turkey’s integration seems to be not supported.
In conclusion, it can be stated that Turkey’s eagerness to be a full member of the EU has never been a priority. This integration has been seen as a “political unification” as it has been highlighted by several politicians. Also, this process is influenced not only by Turkey’s approach but also by the domestic politics of the EU member states.
