09/07/2003 11:42
In times of global conflict and uncertainty, it would be helpful for the EU to have a big Muslim country like Turkey in its corner, says EU enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen in today's Die Welt.
In comments likely further to stimulate the debate on the "wider Europe", Mr Verheugen also said that the accession of Turkey to the EU would make Europe more of a "middle-eastern power".
He criticised what he called a "two-faced" approach to Turkey by some Member States, who advocate Turkey's accession in public and then say behind the scenes that Turkey should never become a member of the club.
Overall, more "fairness" is needed in dealing with Turkey, stressed the Commissioner.
Turkey's accession to the EU is an especially thorny subject. The EU is set to draw up a report by the end of 2004 to review Turkey's membership performance. If Turkey is found to have made the necessary political reforms, then accession talks will begin "without delay".
But some leading figures in Europe, notably Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the President of the Convention on the Future of Europe, have said that Turkey should never be allowed to join, citing, among others, cultural differences.
The timing of Mr Verheugen's comments may also be significant. Rumours abound in the Commission that Mr Verheugen's mandate may soon be extended to dealing with this concept of the "wider Europe". The Commission's policy on this is due to be set out in Brussels today.
In comments likely further to stimulate the debate on the "wider Europe", Mr Verheugen also said that the accession of Turkey to the EU would make Europe more of a "middle-eastern power".
He criticised what he called a "two-faced" approach to Turkey by some Member States, who advocate Turkey's accession in public and then say behind the scenes that Turkey should never become a member of the club.
Overall, more "fairness" is needed in dealing with Turkey, stressed the Commissioner.
Turkey's accession to the EU is an especially thorny subject. The EU is set to draw up a report by the end of 2004 to review Turkey's membership performance. If Turkey is found to have made the necessary political reforms, then accession talks will begin "without delay".
But some leading figures in Europe, notably Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the President of the Convention on the Future of Europe, have said that Turkey should never be allowed to join, citing, among others, cultural differences.
The timing of Mr Verheugen's comments may also be significant. Rumours abound in the Commission that Mr Verheugen's mandate may soon be extended to dealing with this concept of the "wider Europe". The Commission's policy on this is due to be set out in Brussels today.
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