Comments on: Agenda 2020.

By: Otto

Otto — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 15:12:46 +0000

“No one knows what the future may bring.”

Well, with the political establishment of all parties saying Yes to the process of Turkish admission to the EU, the future will bring more votes for Le Pen, Haider, Fortyn and any other groups which wish to oppose Turkish entry. Of course, it’s open to the CDU and UK conservatives to have these votes if they prefer…

By: David All

David All — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 05:34:59 +0000

Frans, that is not fair. You know EU countries would prefer the Turks to the French any day of the week! (Of course they would probably prefer anybody this side of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horder to the French, who could blame them!)

By: Frans Groenendijk

Frans Groenendijk — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 07:04:56 +0000

I oppose referendums on any subject (except on local issues). One of the many reasons to oppose them is the simplifying yes-no character. Both to counter the French and German opposition and to demonstrate the wrongs of referendums in general, I think we need to make preparations for a referendum in the EU-countries outside France not asking for a yes or no on Turkish EU-membership but asking what country do you prefer as a member: France or Turkey?

By: Michael D

Michael D — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 02:49:44 +0000

Personally, I do believe that both sides will find it more convenient to settle for something less than full membership eventually.

I would find this outcome extremely depressing. Assuming that the EU negotiators can actually agree a definition of “European” and that Turkey believes this is what they too wish for - they have 10 years to work it out - anything less than equal membership is bad. Very bad. Economic and demographic problems may be difficult but can be addressed. History tells us that creating “citizen” and “half-citizen” classes generates cultural problems which are much harder. Thats not even counting the christian superiority issue.

By: Michael S.

Michael S. — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 02:40:53 +0000

It looks like MHP/NMP has been voted out since then. There’s a more striking piece of trivia in that table: no party got seats in the parliament both in 1999 and 2002.

By: Ken

Ken — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 17:37:18 +0000

I suspect Turkish entry won’t happen. France and Germany are just too unsure of it’s desirability, in population if not in politics. SO some reason will be found to break off the deal.

By: Non Tibi Spiro

Non Tibi Spiro — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 04:38:55 +0000

Any ideas on Turkish nationalism and the Grey Wolves? Could they pose a problem for Europe in the future or would Turkish EU membership diminish the risks?

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1999/426/re1.htm