The limits of Europe | 64 comments (64 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 1)

I agree with those who find Turkish membership appropriate and even desirable, assuming that all the standard conditions are met or subjected to mutually satisfactory negotiation. As Jerome has pointed out elsewhere, this is not intended to be the overnight acquisition of a large new member state, but rather a gradual reduction of obstacles to accession. I also agree with Colman that the case against Turkey is often framed in prejudicial terms. There will undoubtedly be some problems, but slamming the door in the face of the Turks seems much more likely to cause greater ones. Besides, I feel sure that Mozart would be on the pro-Turkish side.

Hannah K. O'Luthon

by Hannah K OLuthon on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 08:44:47 AM EST

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 0)

I'm not saying it's framed in prejudicial terms. I'm saying that a lot of it is a manifestation of prejudice, generally pretty thinly disguised.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 08:48:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 0)

Yeah, I try to euphemize, but agree that opposition usually seems to be mere prejudice. Presumably there are serious arguments to be made for moving cautiously, but they probably would apply in equal measure to Russia or Ukraine, large countries with low average income and sometimes questionable committment to human rights. Of course, the latter objection might even be raised should the U.S. ever apply for membership in the E.U.

Hannah K. O'Luthon

by Hannah K OLuthon on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 09:46:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 0)

That's the key I think: being poor and having a dodgy human rights record and a slightly delicate grasp of democracy seems to only be a problem for Turkey.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 09:55:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 0)

That's the key I think: being poor and having a dodgy human rights record and a slightly delicate grasp of democracy seems to only be a problem for Turkey.

I was about to say, the bottom line is human rights for me...then your statement stopped me short...with the current serious problem with human rights, would the US be considered for entry into the EU??

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia

by whataboutbob on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 10:27:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The limits of Europe (none / 0)

Don't get me wrong: I'm not minimising the human rights issue, but it's one of the things Turkey already has to address in the next fifteen years or so. We're talking about things that will happen in 2018, not next week.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Jul 5th, 2005 at 10:52:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The limits of Europe | 64 comments (64 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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