Expanding the EU: Concerns & Considerations The United States of Europe

EU Expansion enlarging_europe/html/eu_expansion.stm With May 1, 2004 expansion number of fears expressed Mass immigration Eastern European “Grateful Gypsies set to flee their homes.” Sun newspaper, Britain (April 2004) Economic Pressures Employment Government programs Housing Diluting/changing face of national cultures Turkey now focus of debate on expansion

Bülent Ecevit tries to pull Turkey closer to EU

EU Expansion Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are applicant states France is ambivalent about Turkey joining 8% undecided Main reason in favor: To consolidate democracy in Turkey Main reason against: The risk of large Turkish immigration 63% said they could imagine Turkish membership in future 30% said Turkey should never join for cultural reasons IPSOS poll OF 932 people for Le Figaro, 24 and 25 September

European Council’s report on Turkey - Key points Political reforms: "Political reforms, in line with the priorities in the Accession Partnership, have been introduced." Economic reforms: "Economic stability and predictability have been substantially improved since the 2001 economic crisis." Military reforms: "The government has increasingly asserted its control over the military. Although... the armed forces in Turkey continue to exercise influence through a series of informal channels." Human rights: "Turkey has acceded to most relevant international and European conventions." Torture: "The authorities have adopted a zero tolerance policy towards torture and a number of perpetrators have been punished." Women's rights: "The situation of women is still unsatisfactory; discrimination and violence against women, including 'honour killings', remain a major problem. Children's rights: "Children's rights were strengthened, but child labour remains an issue of serious concern." Freedom of religion: "Although freedom of religious belief is guaranteed by the constitution... non-Muslim religious communities continue to experience problems." Freedom of the press: "Notable progress has been made.“ Conclusion: "Important progress was made on implementation of political reforms, but these need to be further consolidated and broadened."

EU Expansion Other (non-economic) fears, concerns, and considerations: European Cultural Identity Should EU place limits on its geography Turkey as EU’s future most populated State Turkey’s 71 million slated to increase to million by 2025, (Germany’s is 83 million and projected to fall to 80 million by 2020) Turkey’s Supporters Greece: traditional enemy wants Turkey in EU fold Germany: good trading relations with Turkey Britain: Trade an Strategic position as a “a key NATO ally at the intersection of the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus". US: Turkey to be rewarded as “model” Islamic country Turkey’s Integration within Europe as major advantage