Why Europeans are not "entirely" positive with Turkey's membership in EU?

Question

Overall, I think it's better if we bring more facts than emotions on the table.

With respect to the question:

1. is it due to their big number? Polish, Romanians and Bulgarians make together a bigger number than Turkey...Yet, Europeans brought, in addition to those three, 7 countries more in their club...
2. Is it because they are poor? None of the above countries is richer than Turkey or marginally so..
3. Is it because of geography? Turkey lies on a far more geographically interesting area (energy and transportation hub) than e.g. Malta
4. Is it the lack of mature democracy? Democracy in Turkey exists for longer than in e.g. Bulgaria.
5. Military role in politics? that is unique in Turkey.
6. Human rights violation? is getting better; still not there.
7. Cultural differences? Islam vs. Christianity?
8. Is it just perception?

If 6, should Europe be based on a religious basis?
If 7, how Turkey could change its negative image? And do Turkish people care?

Thanks!

Just a Greek

I really wish to remind to those replying with a "we" instead of an "I", that they represent nothing but themselves. In more, no one really cares about personal "slogans" or "statements". These are maybe popular and "catchy" but the question really starts with a "why".

Frank

Answer 1

İ dunno, we are the same, we are all human beings, we love the same singers, etc........We learn our languages, we have to respect each other, and if EU doesn't want us, they should just say it, enough already..............

Answer 2

Well, since European Union became a political game Turkish people are opposed to this idea. As Turkey is a secular republic it is not understandable that the religion can be a problem for EU. As for so called Armenian Genocide Turkey will never accept something that has never been done. We have sent several propositions to Armenia to solve this problem. We have asked them to go to the supreme court with the historians but they gave no answer so maybe they don't want to see the truth.The worst thing is that having stayed in many other European countries i saw that EU nation population get their education from the TV they don't read history,geography. they look at the TV and they decide many things under the influence of the politicians. That's why sometimes Turkey can have an other kind of image. As i see France,Germany and etc lost their economical power and need a cheap market,too. Well the best cheap market can be held joining unpowerful and obedient countries which need desperately to enter in the EU. As for that matter Turkey is a powerful country with a lot of resources. That's why for a long time although they seem to be opposed they never want to lose Turkey. Because 2 years ago the president of Turkey left the meeting saying that if EU continues like this we are going to close the deal EU did not want to let it go. Democracy or human rights can't be an issue. Specially after when i saw how students were hit by the Police in France or how Mr.Sarkozy talks about people in France (and still chosen).

Answer 3

There are many problems. Of course, this is coming from a Bulgarian, hehe. Population really doesn't matter. They are poorer than Bulgaria. Geographically, they're in Asia. Democracy is good, but they have bombings everyday. Very unstable country. Military...I can say that they pretty much have all American equipment, and this is what most people hate in the EU. They don't want the US to have a say in anything.

Answer 4

This is my opinion.
1.North Europeans are a little bit racist am Greek and when I was in the Friburg Banhoff the police always checked the papers of my friend Tuncer because he was darker than me.
They never checked mine.
2. Europe knows that Turkey Plays alone and that the Generals in the critical moment will stand with America
3. The situation in the east is liquid
4 Europe dos not care if Turkey is in Asia.In Eurovision Israel takes part being in Asia
5 Historically there is a fear from the past.In Italy in some places they say Il Turci,Il Turci
In Vienna They always tell to the Tourists about the Turko-Austrian battle of Vienna
6 It is not the Islam .France has millions of Muslims.UK moves to Atheism,and generally Europe is not a very religious place
Let us hope that in the future we will achieve a Greco-Turkish economic unity if the leaders try hard and if the sellers of weapons live us alone.
Just another Greek
My greetings to BosphorusBabe.At least we keep our sense of Humor

Answer 5

At the moment no nation is blocking Turkish membership as they are still in the early stages of the accession process. They still have to meet numerous requirements including human rights, judicial, political and economic. But if it did come to a vote on accession Germany, France and Austria would block it due to those concerns. Greece and Cyprus would block it until the Northern Cyprus issue was settled. But it will take many years for it to come to a vote because Turkey is making slow progress on its entry requirements.

Answer 6

I wouldn't say anything, as I thought this is a question EU citizens must ask themselves.

But, after reading Qwine's post, I have to add that I, too, think the reason is more in the inbred fear Europeans have been carrying around for centuries. And today's political leaders like to stoke those fears for easy votes. Alas, difficult situations like globalization, religious tentions and terrorism cannot be solved with easy thinking. Europe is losing its farlooking leadership and I am sorry for them.

See what UK, Spain, Ireland are doing. Their successful policies must be an example for the rest.

Answer 7

Well mostly because turkey has a boundary with Syria and Irak... and in these times it's not that good to have relationships with these countries.

There's also the fact that Turkey does not recognize the Armenian Genocide nor the independence of the Island of Cyprus (which is now part of Europe).

But the most evident fact is that the country itself is not located in Europe, it's part of Asia Minor
There's also issues about freedom of speech and human rights that are not fully respected in turkey...

Answer 8

I have nothing against turkey but alot of the country seem to have problems with other religions. Alot of people have been killed there because they are christians and considering the majority if not all of the present countries in the eu are also, and It does have serious human rights issues.

Apart from money why would you they want to join it. Unless you are one of the big countries you're in trouble, they change all the laws to suit themselves and the smaller countries have to shut up and put up with it.

Answer 9

because they think all Turkish are like the people here in Yahoo Answers Turkley section

Answer 10

Because Europe is getting old and we have a great young majority and ofcourse the main reason is that we are Muslims.