Turkish Coalition of America on Twitter Turkish Coalition of America on Facebook Turkish Coalition of America on YouTube
Turkish Coalition of America
  • Amerika Turk Koalisyonu

European Foreign Ministers Issue Strong Support for Turkey's EU Membership

Number 145 | December 14, 2010

The following is excerpted from a New York Times op-ed titled “Europe Look Outward Again,” published on December 10, by Carl Bildt, Franco Frattini, William Hague and Alexander Stubb, foreign ministers, respectively, of Sweden, Italy, Britain and Finland.

“(…)On Monday, we will meet our colleagues from around the European Union at the General Affairs Council in Brussels to set out perspectives for the enlargement process and the countries moving down the path to E.U. membership. This will clearly be a significant occasion to turn around the inward-looking tendencies of recent years and revitalize the vision of an open Europe.

(…)This is apparent not least in Turkey, where E.U.-inspired liberal reforms have turned the country into one of Europe’s principal growth engines. The crucial question is not whether Turkey is turning its back on Europe, but rather if Europe is turning its back on the fundamental values and principles that have guided European integration over the last 50 years.

In some quarters there is clearly some anxiety regarding the consequences of a Turkish E.U. membership. The doubts over admitting a large and self-confident nation are as explicit now as they were when Britain once applied — facing strong opposition from older members of the club. Voices of opposition were also heard when Sweden and Finland knocked on the door to the E.U.

Concerns are legitimate — but the counter-argument is clear: New members can help Europe return to economic dynamism and take on its proper weight in world affairs. By pushing prospective candidates toward liberal reforms and full respect for human rights, the European space of stability and growth can expand further.

In the back of our minds we should also remember that Turkey, like no other country, has the ability to advance European interests in security, trade and energy networks from the Far East to the Mediterranean.

(…) Turkey is in the midst of a far-reaching reform process. (…) Turkey is in a class of its own. It is an influential actor on the world stage with considerable soft power. Its economy is expected to expand by more than 5 percent this year, compared with a eurozone average of 1 percent. The O.E.C.D. predicts that Turkey will be the second-largest economy in Europe by 2050.

Turkish entrepreneurs in Europe already run €40 billion worth of businesses and employ 500,000 people. A Turkish economy in the E.U. would create new opportunities for exporters and investors, and link us to markets and energy sources in central Asia and the near east. So the security and economic case for Turkish membership is strong.

That said, if we are all to reap those benefits, Turkey needs to play its full part. We want to see movement on important areas of fundamental human rights. Economic reform must continue and E.U. single-market rules must be implemented. We encourage Turkey to continue with the steps it has taken along this path.

Yet it is undeniable that the ongoing enlargement process is following a slower pace than the earlier waves of accession. This is partly a reflection of the economic situation in the Union, and weak administrations, shyness on reforms and prospective candidates falling short of fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria.

Let us be clear: The Union’s exacting standards of democracy and rule of law require a welcome but time-consuming reform process. However, the magnetism and the transformational capacity of enlargement works only if commitments are kept on both sides.

We, the member states, must stick to our established principles and benchmarks in order to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the process.

At its coming General Affairs Council, the E.U. should restate its strong commitment to further enlargement.

  • Post this article to Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Print this page

Past TCA Issue Papers

  • Libya Contact Group Meets in Istanbul to Discuss TransitionLibya Contact Group Meets in Istanbul to Discuss Transitionread more
  • 10th TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Visit to Turkey10th TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Visit to Turkeyread more
  • TCA Protests Statements by Senators Kyl and Kirk Against TurkeyTCA Protests Statements by Senators Kyl and Kirk Against Turkeyread more
  • Turkey Sends Humanitarian Aid to SomaliaTurkey Sends Humanitarian Aid to SomaliaTwo Turkish cargo planes carrying 50 ton...read more
  • Turkish Cypriots Celebrate Anniversary of Cyprus Peace OperationTurkish Cypriots Celebrate Anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operationread more
  • US Interests in Iraq: Like a Good Neighbor, Turkey is ThereUS Interests in Iraq: Like a Good Neighbor, Turkey is Thereread more
  • Secretary Clinton To Visit TurkeySecretary Clinton To Visit TurkeySecretary of State Hillary Clinton will ...read more
  • State Department Commends Turkey on Syria CrisisState Department Commends Turkey on Syria Crisisread more
  • Turkey Recognizes Libya's Transitional National CouncilTurkey Recognizes Libya's Transitional National Councilread more
  • Major TCA Grant Supports Iraqi Christian Refugees in TurkeyMajor TCA Grant Supports Iraqi Christian Refugees in Turkeyread more
  • American Educators Embark on Study Tours to TurkeyAmerican Educators Embark on Study Tours to Turkeyread more
  • Turkey Provides Safe Haven to Syrian RefugeesTurkey Provides Safe Haven to Syrian Refugeesread more
  • TCA Congressional Delegation Visits TurkeyTCA Congressional Delegation Visits TurkeyA Congressional delegation led by Repres...read more
  • Turkey Launches Restoration of Armenian Historical SiteTurkey Launches Restoration of Armenian Historical Siteread more
  • April 23 Celebrated by Turkish Americans Across the USApril 23 Celebrated by Turkish Americans Across the USread more
  • State Department Commends Turkey For Keeping Syria Border OpenState Department Commends Turkey For Keeping Syria Border Openread more
  • Turkey Provides Safe Haven to Syrian RefugeesTurkey Provides Safe Haven to Syrian Refugeesread more
  • Turkey Evacuates Hundreds of Wounded from LibyaTurkey Evacuates Hundreds of Wounded from Libyaread more
  • France Spoiled Turkey's Peace Plan on LibyaFrance Spoiled Turkey's Peace Plan on Libyaread more
  • Turkish Parliament Authorizes Libya ActionTurkish Parliament Authorizes Libya ActionTurkey's parliament on March 24 approved...read more
  • Turkey Assumes Diplomatic Functions for United States in LibyaTurkey Assumes Diplomatic Functions for United States in Libyaread more
  • Turks Will Train Afghan Police Force in TurkeyTurks Will Train Afghan Police Force in Turkeyread more
  • President Calls Turkish Prime Minister Over LibyaPresident Calls Turkish Prime Minister Over Libyaread more
  • A Voice of Common Sense in Armenian Diaspora?A Voice of Common Sense in Armenian Diaspora?read more
  • TCA Donates $100,000 to Help Haiti Earthquake VictimsTCA Donates $100,000 to Help Haiti Earthquake Victimsread more
  • In Turkey's Example, Some See a Map for EgyptIn Turkey's Example, Some See a Map for Egyptread more
  • EU Officials: Turkey of Crucial Importance to EUEU Officials: Turkey of Crucial Importance to EUread more
  • Return of the Turks as Middle East KingmakerReturn of the Turks as Middle East Kingmakerread more
  • A Stirring Moment in Jazz History to Echo in Turkish EmbassyA Stirring Moment in Jazz History to Echo in Turkish Embassyread more
  • Turkey Leverages Economy for Global Soft PowerTurkey Leverages Economy for Global Soft Powerread more
  • Turkey's Rising Regional PowerTurkey's Rising Regional PowerThe following are excerpts from articles...read more
  • President Obama: Relationship with Turkey More Important Than EverPresident Obama: Relationship with Turkey More Important Than Everread more
  • European Foreign Ministers Issue Strong Support for Turkey's EU MembershipEuropean Foreign Ministers Issue Strong Support for Turkey's EU Membershipread more
  • Armenia Sent Arms to Iran, Used in Attacks Against U.S.TroopsArmenia Sent Arms to Iran, Used in Attacks Against U.S.Troopsread more
  • Turkey Helps Israel Combat FireTurkey Helps Israel Combat FireIsrael’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netan...read more
  • Turkey's Big AmbitionsTurkey's Big Ambitions“In a visit to London last week, Turki...read more
  • Turkish American Legal Defense Fund Triumph: Federal Court Affirms David Krikorian Maliciously Lied About Congresswoman Jean Schmidt and Turkish AmericansTurkish American Legal Defense Fund Triumph: Federal Court Affirms David Kread more
  • "Israel must overcome the obsession of prestige and make every effort to revive from the ruins its ties with Turkey."  Haaretz*"Israel must overcome the obsession of prestige and make every effort to rread more
  • U.S. Praises Turkish Trainers of Afghan Security ForcesU.S. Praises Turkish Trainers of Afghan Security Forcesread more
  • DCCC Should Return Illicit DonationDCCC Should Return Illicit DonationOn October 14, Armenian gangsters were i...read more
  • TCA Ranks Third in Groups Sponsoring International Congressional TravelTCA Ranks Third in Groups Sponsoring International Congressional Travelread more
  • UN Probe Finds Gaza Flotilla Raid UnlawfulUN Probe Finds Gaza Flotilla Raid UnlawfulAccording to a report released by the UN...read more
  • TCA Voices Support for Mass at AkdamarTCA Voices Support for Mass at AkdamarThe Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) e...read more
  • TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Turkey VisitTCA Congressional Delegation Completes Turkey Visitread more
  • TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Macedonia VisitTCA Congressional Delegation Completes Macedonia Visitread more
  • Israel Accepts UN Investigation on Gaza Flotilla RaidIsrael Accepts UN Investigation on Gaza Flotilla Raidread more
  • British Prime Minister Speakson Gaza Situation, Turkey-Israel RelationsBritish Prime Minister Speakson Gaza Situation, Turkey-Israel Relationsread more
  • British Prime Minister Backs Turkey's EU AccessionBritish Prime Minister Backs Turkey's EU Accessionread more
  • The Treaty of Lausanne:Turkey's International RecognitionThe Treaty of Lausanne:Turkey's International Recognitionread more
  • TCA Mourns Senator Byrd - Champion of US-Turkey RelationsTCA Mourns Senator Byrd - Champion of US-Turkey Relationsread more
  • Congressional Delegation Visits TurkeyCongressional Delegation Visits TurkeyOn June 7th, the Turkish Coalition of Am...read more
  • The Mavi Marmara TragedyThe Mavi Marmara TragedyThe Turkish Coalition of America, which ...read more
  • Nagorno-Karabakh Elections Deemed IllegalNagorno-Karabakh Elections Deemed Illegalread more
  • Turkey – Russia Strengthen Bilateral TiesTurkey – Russia Strengthen Bilateral Tiesread more
  • Rep. Edwards Pays Tribute to Turkey's First Jazz DepartmentRep. Edwards Pays Tribute to Turkey's First Jazz Departmentread more
  • Turkey Convinces Iran on New Nuclear TalksTurkey Convinces Iran on New Nuclear TalksProspects for new rounds of talks on Ira...read more
  • Remembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian TerrorismRemembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian Terrorismread more
  • Armenian NGO's and Religious Leaders Seek Normalization with Turkey and AzerbaijanArmenian NGO's and Religious Leaders Seek Normalization with Turkey and Azread more
  • TCA Responds to President Obama's StatementTCA Responds to President Obama's Statementread more
  • April 23 Celebrated by Turkish Americans Across the USApril 23 Celebrated by Turkish Americans Across the USread more
  • Sino-Turkish Economic Cooperation has broad perspectiveSino-Turkish Economic Cooperation has broad perspectiveread more
  • Turkish Projects in Wardak, Afghanistan Worth $37 MillionTurkish Projects in Wardak, Afghanistan Worth $37 Millionread more
  • Members of Congress Participate in Opening of Turkey's First Jazz DepartmentMembers of Congress Participate in Opening of Turkey's First Jazz Departmeread more
  • TCA Concludes Congressional Visit to TurkeyTCA Concludes Congressional Visit to Turkeyread more
  • British House of Lords Refuses Vote on Armenian MeasureBritish House of Lords Refuses Vote on Armenian Measureread more
  • Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns about Refugees in GreeceHuman Rights Groups Raise Concerns about Refugees in Greeceread more
  • Turkish President Awarded by Chatham HouseTurkish President Awarded by Chatham HouseTurkish President Abdullah Gul has won t...read more
  • Re-Assessing the "Genocide Resolution"Re-Assessing the "Genocide Resolution"read more
  • IDF Chief of Staff Visits TurkeyIDF Chief of Staff Visits TurkeyIsrael Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Sta...read more
  • Top Commanders in Afghanistan: Turkish Presence is a ModelTop Commanders in Afghanistan: Turkish Presence is a Modelread more
  • State Department Praises Turkey's Regional RoleState Department Praises Turkey's Regional Roleread more
  • Turkish Red Crescent Aids Haiti VictimsTurkish Red Crescent Aids Haiti VictimsThe Turkish Red Crescent’s humanitaria...read more
  • Turkey Hosts Trilateral Summit with Afghanistan and PakistanTurkey Hosts Trilateral Summit with Afghanistan and Pakistanread more
  • Armenian Historical Church to be Opened for WorshipArmenian Historical Church to be Opened for Worshipread more
  • Obama Needs Turkey: An ExplanationObama Needs Turkey: An ExplanationOn December 1, 2009, at the United State...read more
  • Israel Thanks Turkey for Preventing AttackIsrael Thanks Turkey for Preventing AttackIsrael’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danie...read more
  • Obama's Ideal Partner: TurkeyObama's Ideal Partner: TurkeyPresident Obama laid out his new Afghani...read more
  • Triumph of the TurksTriumph of the TurksArchibald Wavell himself could scarcely ...read more
  • TCA calls on Congress to dismiss radical ANCA AgendaTCA calls on Congress to dismiss radical ANCA Agendaread more
  • Turkey to Lead ISAF for Third TimeTurkey to Lead ISAF for Third TimeOn November 1, Turkey has assumed the Re...read more
  • Turkey and Pakistan Sign Protocol to Bolster RelationsTurkey and Pakistan Sign Protocol to Bolster Relationsread more
  • TCA Calls Upon Congress to Support Turkey – Armenia DialogueTCA Calls Upon Congress to Support Turkey – Armenia Dialogueread more
  • 35th Anniversary Of Turkish Peace Operation On Cyprus35th Anniversary Of Turkish Peace Operation On Cyprusread more
  • Recommendations for the Armenian DiasporaRecommendations for the Armenian DiasporaThe following are excerpts from an artic...read more
  • Remembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian TerrorismRemembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian Terrorismread more
  • The Birth of the Turkish RepublicThe Birth of the Turkish RepublicThe foundation of the Republic of Turkey...read more
  • Turkish American Welcome President Obama's VisitTurkish American Welcome President Obama's Visitread more
  • Greek Independence Day: The Cost to Ottoman TurksGreek Independence Day: The Cost to Ottoman Turksread more
  • How to End a Genocide DebateHow to End a Genocide DebateIt's almost April, so Washington is gear...read more
  • Key Developments in US-Turkey RelationsKey Developments in US-Turkey Relationsread more
  • Armenian Issue: Moving ForwardArmenian Issue: Moving ForwardDuring the Senate confirmation hearings ...read more
  • TCA Exposes Senator Menendez for Catering to Ethnic LobbiesTCA Exposes Senator Menendez for Catering to Ethnic Lobbiesread more
  • Educators from American Minorities Visit TurkeyEducators from American Minorities Visit Turkeyread more
  • Turkey Hosts Summit with Afghanistan and PakistanTurkey Hosts Summit with Afghanistan and Pakistanread more
  • Germany's Green Party Elects First Turkish German as LeaderGermany's Green Party Elects First Turkish German as Leaderread more
  • Congressional Turkish Caucus Holds Up Strong in ElectionCongressional Turkish Caucus Holds Up Strong in Electionread more
  • Turkish American Legal Defense Fund Requests Criminal Investigation Against Armenian American Candidate Running Against Congresswoman Jean SchmidtTurkish American Legal Defense Fund Requests Criminal Investigation Against Arread more
  • Top U.S. Official Says Karakbakh Deal "Possible" by Year's EndTop U.S. Official Says Karakbakh Deal "Possible" by Year's Endread more
  • Turkey Elected to United Nations Security CouncilTurkey Elected to United Nations Security Councilread more
  • TCA and ATAA underscore importance of US-Turkey alliance in framework of confirmation hearings for new US Ambassador to TurkeyTCA and ATAA underscore importance of US-Turkey alliance in framework of cread more
  • Turkish President Says Opportunities Emerge to Solve Karabakh ConflictTurkish President Says Opportunities Emerge to Solve Karabakh Conflictread more
  • Turkish President to visit ArmeniaTurkish President to visit ArmeniaTurkey’s President Abdullah Gul has ac...read more
  • The Treaty of Lausanne: Turkey's International RecognitionThe Treaty of Lausanne: Turkey's International Recognitionread more
  • OSCE Supports Joint Historic Commission on Armenian AllegationsOSCE Supports Joint Historic Commission on Armenian Allegationsread more
  • Invigorating the US-Turkish Strategic PartnershipInvigorating the US-Turkish Strategic Partnershipread more
  • Russian Document refutes Armenian "genocide" claims Provides evidence of mass killings by ArmeniansRussian Document refutes Armenian "genocide" claims Provides evidence read more
  • Swedish Parliament Rejects Armenian Genocide LegislationSwedish Parliament Rejects Armenian Genocide Legislationread more
  • Turkey and Georgia renovate historic church in TurkeyTurkey and Georgia renovate historic church in Turkeyread more
  • Turkey offers Armenian Diaspora $20 million to open its ArchivesTurkey offers Armenian Diaspora $20 million to open its Archivesread more
  • Armenia Needs Real – Not Symbolic – HelpArmenia Needs Real – Not Symbolic – Helpread more
  • China's Battle Against the UighursChina's Battle Against the Uighurs”The way China is treating the Tibetan...read more
  • Reuniting CyprusReuniting CyprusCyprus is perched for a voluntary and mu...read more
  • United Nations Calls for Removal of Armenian Forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of AzerbaijanUnited Nations Calls for Removal of Armenian Forces from the Nagorno-Karabread more
  • Michael Rubin: Turkey's Terror Problem is OursMichael Rubin: Turkey's Terror Problem is Oursread more
  • Unveiling the PKKUnveiling the PKKContrary to media reports, the Marxist-L...read more
  • Turkey Spearheads Major Regional Energy and Transportation Projects Turkey Spearheads Major Regional Energy and Transportation Projects read more
  • Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Celebrates 24th AnniversaryTurkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Celebrates 24th Anniversaryread more
  • President Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Discuss Global War on TerrorPresident Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Discuss Global War on Terrorread more
  • The Times: Stirring up the past, jeopardizing the futureThe Times: Stirring up the past, jeopardizing the futureread more
  • Historian Norman Stone in the Chicago TribuneHistorian Norman Stone in the Chicago Tribuneread more
  • Worse Than Irrelevant Worse Than Irrelevant IT'S EASY to dismiss a nonbinding congre...read more
  • The Future of the U.S. - Turkey RelationshipThe Future of the U.S. - Turkey Relationshipread more
  • ADL should not redefine genocideADL should not redefine genocideThe police and civilian mob came for the...read more
  • Turkey is vital to Europe's futureTurkey is vital to Europe's futureIn the 20th century, Britain's national ...read more
  • Turkey and Armenia: What Jews should doTurkey and Armenia: What Jews should doread more
  • Losing TurkeyLosing TurkeyThe following is a reprint of an article...read more
  • PKK Terrorists kill Villager for Denying FoodPKK Terrorists kill Villager for Denying Foodread more
  • The Treaty of Lausanne: Turkey's International RecognitionThe Treaty of Lausanne: Turkey's International Recognitionread more
  • July 20: Anniversary of Cyprus Peace OperationJuly 20: Anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operationread more
  • Why America Should Build Bridges to TurkeyWhy America Should Build Bridges to TurkeyThe Turks are getting cranky, and who ca...read more
  • Turkish company Invests Heavily in North Carolina and TennesseeTurkish company Invests Heavily in North Carolina and Tennesseeread more
  • American Teachers Visit TurkeyAmerican Teachers Visit Turkey49 teachers from 12 US cities are visiti...read more
  • The Real Billy Hayes Regrets Midnight Express, Apologizes to TurksThe Real Billy Hayes Regrets Midnight Express, Apologizes to Turksread more
  • Turkey's Contributions in Iraq and AfghanistanTurkey's Contributions in Iraq and Afghanistanread more
  • Review: The Armenian Massacres in Ottoman Turkey: A Disputed GenocideReview: The Armenian Massacres in Ottoman Turkey: A Disputed Genocideread more
  • Turkish Troops in Northern Iraq?Turkish Troops in Northern Iraq?The PKK has recently increased its attac...read more
  • The Lycian Confederation and the American ConstitutionThe Lycian Confederation and the American Constitutionread more
  • PKK Terrorism and Northern IraqPKK Terrorism and Northern IraqThe recent saber-rattling by Iraq’s Ku...read more
  • May 19: Turkish National Liberation beginsMay 19: Turkish National Liberation beginsread more
  • Remembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian TerrorismRemembering Orhan Gunduz: A Victim of Armenian Terrorismread more
  • Cyprus and the Annan PlanCyprus and the Annan PlanOn this date three years ago, the inhabi...read more
  • April 23: The Birth of the Turkish RepublicApril 23: The Birth of the Turkish Republicread more
  • Turkey, Iraq and PKK TerrorismTurkey, Iraq and PKK TerrorismThe recent saber-rattling by Iraq’s Ku...read more
  • Turkey and the United StatesTurkey and the United StatesTurkey is a vital partner for the United...read more
  • Enabling Kurdish IllusionEnabling Kurdish IllusionSpeaking before the Senate Appropriation...read more
  • Home
  • About US
  • Support TCA
  • Contact
  • Internships
    • TCA Washington Summer Internship Program
    • Previous Programs
  • Youth Congress
    • 2019 Youth Congress Application
    • 2018 Youth Congress
    • 2017 Youth Congress
    • 2016 Youth Congress
    • 2015 Youth Congress
    • 2014 Youth Congress
    • Turkish-Canadian Youth Congress
  • Turkish American Women’s Leadership Initiative
  • Grants
    • Turkey Study Tour Grants
    • Academic Grants
    • Public Awareness / Grassroots Grants
    • Heritage Grants
    • Humanitarian Grants
  • Issues & Information
    • U.S.-Turkey Relations
    • PKK Terrorism
    • Turkey and Europe
    • Armenian Issue
    • Cyprus Issue
    • Turkish History
    • Turkish Minorities Abroad
    • TCA Issue Papers
    • Reading Lists and General Resources on Turkey
  • Turkish American Community
    • Turkish American Appointed Officials
    • Turkish Americans Elected to Political Office
    • Elected Officials with Turkish Heritage
    • Turkish American Organizations
    • Turkish American Publications and Broadcasts
    • Turkish American Online Services
    • Prominent Turkish Americans
    • Turk Evleri
  • U.S. Congress
  • The Turkey Caucus
  • Outreach to Heritage Communities
    • African American Outreach
    • Native American Outreach
    • Hispanic American Outreach
  • Scholarships
    • Study Abroad Scholarships for American Students of Minority and Heritage Communities
    • Scholarships by Other Organizations
    • Previous TCA Programs
  • News & Events
    • News and Events
    • TCA Issue Papers
    • TCA Newsletters
  • Media
    • TCA in the News
    • Posters and Advertisements
    • Submit a Media Request
  • TAKE ACTION
  • LEGAL RIGHTS
  • CULTURE
Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Donate
  • Support the Turkish Coalition of America by Shopping at AmazonSmile
  • Turkish Coalition of America on YouTube
Turkish Coalition of America
Amerika Turk Koalisyonu
  • Boston
    48 Jonas Brown Circle
    Concord, MA 01742
    Phone: 978.318.0047
    Fax: 978.318.0037
  •  
     
     
  •  
     
     
  • Copyright © 2021 Turkish Coalition of America. All rights reserved.
    Site Map