Should Turkey be allowed to join the EU?

[Pekka]

I think some day it should be considered, but we need to work out few issues first, like the mentioned human rights for example. We could maybe put up a program what we want to see happening, and if they succeed in it, then let them join. I'm still undecided on this matter, but first I'd like to see some changes, and then look at it again. But nothing impossible, something doable.

And as for little bit of countries being in somewhere, little bit of Finland (Karelia for example) is in Russia, and I hear no complaints about that.

[Timexwatch]

VetLegion:

The U.K. isn't as big a problem with Croatia getting into the E.U. as Slovenia is, from what I read. If they stop jerking them around over the Adriatic, it won't be such a problem.

On Topic:

Even if Turkey shaped up, I doubt that it would be let in. The Greeks would make it hell for them (see Giancapatakis) and it would shift the center of gravity in the E.U. even further east away from France and Germany.

[VetLegion]

U.K. is being annoying because of an army general we refuse to extradite to Hague, we can take care of Slovenians

Even if Turkey shaped up, I doubt that it would be let in. The Greeks would make it hell for them (see Giancapatakis) and it would shift the center of gravity in the E.U. even further east away from France and Germany.

You know, official Greece supports Turkey's application to EU.

Cynics would say it is the great proof that there is no chance whatsoever of it happening

[Drake Tungsten]

Not that I am equalising Greece and Turkey in any way

You should be. There's hardly any difference between the mother country and its erstwhile province.

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Azazel


the new Iraq isn't NEARLY in the almost perfect position Turkey is in in that regard.

What's bothering you about Turkey? that it's population is muslim? You have no problem recieving muslim immigrants by the million, and if you do, your immigration system is the least effective government institution in the history of mankind. The ammount of muslims in the EU is already in the order of magnitude of turkey's population, and comes from much less europeanized places. The Europeanized part of turkey stays in turkey, since they are the ones that prosper. It's the poor SoBs that immigrate....

Human Rights Record? That would obligatorily change with the entrance to the EU, and you people know it. The Turks are already changing stuff just because of the chance that you'll let them in!

I am baffled, really.... What is it?

Turkey likes Israel.

There. If it takes an American to say it, I've said it.

[laurentius]

Yeah it likes israel..

So what? Are you trying to say thats the reason theyre not in yet. Do you think we hate Isreal? Are you somekind of anti-european neo-nazi?

If it takes eurocommie to say it, I've said it

[Gangerolf]

Israel should be allowed to join the EU

[laurentius]

Find out how Italians are different from the rest of Europe

http://stale.xko.cz/EUROPE-ITALY.swf

PS:

[Gangerolf]

it's funny cause it's true

[Az]

Italy= Israel.

[axi]

You should be. There's hardly any difference between the mother country and its erstwhile province.

Why this resentment about Greece? Have we done anything bad to you personally?

And lets not forget, if both Greece and Turkey would drop their little US sponsored arms race, it would probably save about 10 billion euros per annum that could go into developing both countries.

Actually, since the earthquakes of 1999, both countries have reduced armaments and military budgets. Conscripts now serve 12 months in the Greek army (soon to be reduced by a further 20 days) while 4 years ago they did 16-18 months. The turkish army has recently announced a likewise reduction (although the Turks still serve much longer). Yesterday the two foreign ministers announced the mutual cancellation of the great annual aeronautical excercises in the Aegean ("Barbarossa" and "Nikiforos - Toxotis") which were always a point of controversy.

The Turks are still committing violations of our FIR and occasionally our airspase en masse with their fighters, but these are seen as byproducts of the internal political struggle in Turkey (the Generals engaging in power play) and are not perceived as real threats anymore.

[Ben Kenobi]

Besides, culture isn't genetic. Even if the population percentage of 'muslims' (read Turks) increased due to migration I doubt they would be noticeably more 'unEuropean' or 'dissecular' than 'native' Europeans.

True, culture gets learned. Now why do I keep hearing problems with the integration of Muslims in Europe? If they were assimilating, it would be a much poorer argument.

I'm going to post stats on the relative birth rate comparison between the Muslims in Europe and the rest of Europe.

[Pekka]

It would be interesting to see Israel joining EU. I'd personally support that. First of all, the thing between them and pals would take a new turn. Because then there would be terror attacks in EU all the time, and we'd HAVE to do something about it, besides condemning them. And do they declare open war with EU? I don't know. Maybe. But it'd be worth it.

[laurentius]

It would be worth it!? Are you ****ing isane? Why would you like to be drag to the same ****ty mess? Go pierce yourself if you're a masochist.

To be realistic Israel would never accept EUs demands for its membership. EU would probably require a whole new nation of joint palestine-israel, equality for pals, stop the racism, disbandment of the bantustans and the jewish fundamentalist fortresses(colonies)etc. No way they are reasonable enough to do that

[VetLegion]

Pekka, what kind of reasoning is that?