The accession of Turkey into the European Union is one of the most controversial subjects in the process of the enlargement of the EU. Especially in Germany the possible integration of Turkey is an issue that is discussed on a broad scale in the society, since a large part of the German population is of Turkish descent and the aftereffects of a closer relation with Turkey seems to raise personal interest among most of Germany's citizens. The current unrest and rioting in Istanbul along with the censorship of certain media like the internet-based social networking service Twitter by the administration of Recep Tayyip Erdogan added its share to the futility of an acceleration to the process of Turkeys integration in the European Union.
After the visit of the German President Joachim Gauck, a number of German politicians pointed out, that Turkey under its current government is not going to become a member state of the EU. One could argue that the current situation in Turkey makes it indeed uneasy to imagine it to become a stable member that fulfills the rules of accession. However, Turkey was granted the rank of a potential member of the European Union almost fifteen years ago. Since then, the opposition against it didn't only rally in Germany. In this essay the author examines the major reasons for the resistance among the French people to Turkeys integration.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The historical perception of Turkey
- 3. "Turkey is Asia Minor"
- 4. The religious borders of Europe
- 5. The human rights issue
- 6. Too big to fit in
- 7. Islam in France
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the major reasons for French resistance to Turkey's integration into the European Union. It explores the historical, geographical, cultural, and religious factors contributing to this opposition, analyzing the interplay between public opinion, political discourse, and the complex realities of Turkey's potential membership.
- Historical perception of Turkey in France, including the legacy of the Armenian genocide.
- Geographical arguments against Turkey's inclusion in the EU, focusing on its location straddling Europe and Asia.
- The role of cultural and religious differences, specifically the impact of Islam in France and potential societal shifts.
- The influence of human rights concerns and internal conflicts within Turkey on the French perspective.
- The impact of Turkey's large population on the balance of power within the EU.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by outlining the controversy surrounding Turkey's potential EU accession, particularly within Germany and France. It highlights the current political climate in Turkey and the diverging opinions among French politicians regarding Turkey's membership. The chapter introduces the essay's central focus: exploring the key reasons behind French opposition to Turkey's EU bid.
2. The historical perception of Turkey: This chapter delves into the historical context of French public opinion on Turkey. It reveals that a significant portion of the French population opposes Turkey's EU membership, a sentiment seemingly unaffected by past conflicts unlike opinions regarding Serbia. The chapter points to the legacy of the Armenian genocide and Turkey's handling of it as a key factor influencing this negative perception. The chapter then explores the differing stances of past French presidents, such as Jacques Chirac's more sympathetic approach versus Nicolas Sarkozy's outspoken opposition, highlighting the role of public opinion and political maneuvering in shaping official policy.
3. "Turkey is Asia Minor": This chapter focuses on the geographical arguments used by French politicians to oppose Turkey's EU accession. Quotes from prominent figures like Nicolas Sarkozy and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing are presented, emphasizing the notion of "natural borders" for Europe that exclude Turkey. The chapter examines the validity of these arguments, highlighting the debate surrounding Turkey's geographical location and its implications for European identity and political structure.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Turkey, European Union, French Politics, Accession, Armenian Genocide, Geographical Arguments, Cultural Differences, Religious Factors, Human Rights, Public Opinion, Islam in France, Population Size, Political Power.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of French Resistance to Turkey's EU Accession
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the reasons behind French resistance to Turkey's integration into the European Union. It analyzes the historical, geographical, cultural, religious, and political factors contributing to this opposition.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes, including: the historical perception of Turkey in France (including the impact of the Armenian genocide); geographical arguments against Turkey's inclusion in the EU based on its location; the role of cultural and religious differences, particularly the impact of Islam in France; human rights concerns and internal conflicts within Turkey; and the potential impact of Turkey's large population on the balance of power within the EU.
What historical factors contribute to French opposition to Turkey's EU membership?
The document highlights the legacy of the Armenian genocide and its impact on French public opinion. It also examines the differing approaches of past French presidents towards Turkey's EU bid, demonstrating how public opinion and political maneuvering have shaped official policy.
What are the geographical arguments used against Turkey's EU accession?
French politicians often cite geographical arguments, emphasizing the notion of "natural borders" for Europe that exclude Turkey. The analysis examines the validity and implications of these arguments concerning Turkey's location straddling Europe and Asia.
How do cultural and religious differences play a role in French opposition?
The analysis examines the role of cultural and religious differences, focusing on the impact of Islam in France and the potential societal shifts associated with Turkey's membership. It explores how these differences contribute to public sentiment and political discourse.
What is the significance of human rights concerns and internal conflicts within Turkey?
The document addresses how human rights concerns and internal conflicts within Turkey influence the French perspective on its EU membership. These concerns impact the overall assessment of Turkey's suitability for EU accession.
How does Turkey's large population factor into the debate?
The analysis considers the potential impact of Turkey's large population on the balance of power within the EU, a significant concern for some French politicians.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the document?
The document includes summaries for each chapter: an introduction outlining the controversy; a chapter on the historical perception of Turkey in France; a chapter focusing on geographical arguments; and further chapters delving into other key aspects of the issue.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Turkey, European Union, French Politics, Accession, Armenian Genocide, Geographical Arguments, Cultural Differences, Religious Factors, Human Rights, Public Opinion, Islam in France, Population Size, Political Power.
What is the overall conclusion of the document?
The document comprehensively examines the multifaceted reasons behind French resistance to Turkey's EU accession, highlighting the complex interplay of historical perceptions, geographical considerations, cultural and religious differences, human rights concerns, and political power dynamics.
- Citation du texte
- Stene Johann Oßenbrügge (Auteur), 2014, Turkey and the EU. The reasoning of the French Government's opposition against the accession, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/304441
