Turkey is a fine country and a powerful one. They don't need the EU and I am sceptical that joining will even be good for them outside the subsidies. Turkey is becoming more modern, but the EU is looking positively out of date these days. The Turks could surpass Europe and take the lead instead. They've got a new chance and they'd be wise not to waste it on Brussels.
Russ, UK

Turkey in the EU - yes, definitely. In the long term Turkish membership will undoubtedly be beneficial to both the EU and of course Turkey itself. But only when Turkey has fulfilled the Copenhagen criteria in the same way as all other candidates.
Tassos Papacostas, Cyprus



It will enhance the European Union's role in the Middle East

Mustafa, Turkey
The EU should admit Turkey, if it wants to be a global political power. It will enhance the European Union's role in the Middle East and the EU can prove that European values are not based upon religion. It will also show that democracy and Islam are not on opposite sides.
Mustafa, Turkey

Whether Turkey is admitted into the EU will largely depend on the wishes of the USA. As such, the USA knows that the EU will one day be a formidable power, which will reduce its influence on the rest of the world. By admitting Turkey into the fold, the USA is in effect ensuring that it can control the EU, through its influence of Turkey.
Vasili, Greece

To all those of you who say that Turkey is not a European country what makes a country European? How is Russia or Latvia or Lithuania a European country? What is it about Greece that makes it a European country? We cannot talk about a common culture. Each European member has its own unique cultural identity, their own languages, foods and way of life. So apart from its human rights record, which Turkey has agreed to address, why else should it be excluded from EU membership?
Shanti Vekaria, Germany

The Turks need to be more discreet. I suggest the Turkish government does so if it doesn't want to raise further doubts about Turkey's suitability to join the EU.
Fabrizio Riva, Italy

The US shouldn't keep pushing for Turkey's accession while ignoring the very real problems that are preventing it. All that does is make the US look like it doesn't care about civil rights abuses, only about keeping military allies happy and hanging on to its bases.
K Stop, Ireland



The EU might as well invite Japan or Saudi Arabia

Craig Burgers, Michigan, USA
Culturally, ethnically, linguistically, religiously Turkey is simply not European. If Turkey is considered European and allowed to join then the EU might as well invite Japan or Saudi Arabia. Those who think Turkey is European obviously have no concept of what Europe is besides a place on the map.
Craig Burgers, Michigan, USA

The Europeanness of Turkey cannot be questioned. Turks have played an important role in European politics since the 13th century. Even after the Ottoman Empire, this has continued with its role within the OECD, Council of Europe, NATO and the European Convention. Rather than geography, regard must be given to these political issues. Above all, if Turkey is not in Europe geographically, then Cyprus isn't either. Turkey cannot be put in the same basket as its Arab neighbours.
Murat, UK

As a Turkish I have never thought myself a person out of Europe. We have always been in the European history during the Ottoman Empire and contributed European Culture in many ways. Only people whose heads are in sand cannot see that without Turkey Europa cannot be Europe. I am a European and I will always be European.
Tunay, England

An EU without Turkey will change the balance in the region, and EU cannot be blind enough to do it. I don't think there is a question of admitting Turkey. It is already part of Europe. I think, the question is in what ways does EU want to exploit the process of admitting Turkey?
George Zitman, USA


Not until human rights are improved to an acceptable level!
Zabi, Bradford, UK/Afghanistan

Turkey should not be admitted to the EU; it has not addressed the issue with its Kurdish majority in the South.
Leo, Canada

Of course there is anger and disappointment. Turkey was originally a candidate for a much different set-up - some 40 years ago. Some misuse religion to say that the EU is a Christian grouping whereas Turkey is an Islamic country. Neither allegation is true: the situation is more complex. The US is urging Turkey's membership for much different reasons than those under discussion among the participants. Turkey does have some way to go before achieving the economic status of EU membership; this should be seen against the help the EU has given the country.
Douglas Fear, Germany

I do not see any point in Turkey joining the EU. They do not share the same set of values that we consider European - no matter the cosmetic reforms. This deal only makes sense to Americans who want to keep this ally within their sphere politically, economically. Who knows what other reasons lie behind this interest? Probably 90% of the US population doesn't even knows where Turkey is. Why don't they join their North America Trade Organisation? Turkey is not European anyway and there are a lot of other countries in the world which would make a lot more sense to join us.
João Neves, Portugal

João Neves¿s contribution is a classic contribution of European tribalism. The fact of the matter is that part of Turkey (a part that contains much of its largest city) is geographically located in Europe and Turkey has been a cultural entity on the European ¿scene¿ since before the days of Constantine. Like so many in contemporary European politics, João wants to disguise his regressive, views as if they were grounded in some kind of political philosophy.
Jack, France/USA

Turkey: A model of a modern secular Muslim country for the world of Islam. Only the Muslim member of Nato (since 1950s). Presently Turkey has some human rights problems. But Turkey's positive points are more than negative points. And I believe Turkey deserves to be a member of EU. They waited over 40 years. The leaders of EU should discover Turkey's advantages.
Aytac, Canada




Turkey has a way to go, but the way to go about it is through inclusive rather than exclusive means

Ronen Shamir, Israel
A date for beginning talks on Turkey's membership should be set in Copenhagen. Several comments recently made by European politicians raise concerns about the nature of the reasons behind the EU's approach to Turkey: the reluctance to allow the free movement of Turkish citizens in Europe and the 'distasteful' idea of having countries like Iran and Iraq on the borders of the EU. True, Turkey has a way to go in terms of its human rights record, but the way to go about it is through inclusive rather than exclusive means.
Ronen Shamir, Israel

Turkey should be admitted to the EU, but I doubt whether this will happen. Yes, it will be seen as a snub to the Islamic world if Turkey is not admitted.
R Chickrie, USA

Turkey will not be admitted to the EU. It is a big country with equally big Muslim population. It has an abundance of cheap labour force and huge, vibrant agricultural sector. Both those elements are perceived as a threat by the entrenched interests in EU countries. Thus we will hear more excuses, reservations, demands for additional reforms - all covering the real reasons for denial of EU membership. The EU is basically playing for time hoping that Turkey will eventually go away.
Mirek Kondracki, USA