EU Enlargement and Turkey

EU TURKEY

EU Enlargement and TurkeyKoki MochizukiZhang Linlu

Contents

Regional RelationsEconomyPoliticsHuman RightsRegional RelationsGeographic PositionCyprus ProblemGeographic Position

A transcontinental Eurasian country Asian Turkey: 97% European Turkey: 3%

Cyprus Problem

Republic of CyprusThe Republic of Cyprus has de jure sovereignty over the land of Cyprus.It joined the European Union in 2004.de jure: (from Latin) according to the law

Cyprus ProblemCyprus is de facto partitioned into two parts:The Republic of Cyprus Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Turkey has refused to acknowledge the Republic of CyprusTurkish controlled The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.

de facto: (from Latin) existing as a fact although it may not be legally accepted as existing

Economy

EconomyTurkish EconomyTurkey has the 17th largest GDP (current US$) in 2012.The Turkish economy grew by 9.2% in 2010, 8.5% in 2011.

Economic integration with EUThe EUs share of Turkeys total trade :41.7% in 2010 40.8% in 2011

The customs union between Turkey and the EU came into effect in 1996.EconomyEU 2012 Country Report on Turkey Chapter 17: Economic and monetary policyOverall, Turkeys level of preparedness is advanced.There has been progress on economic and monetary policy.Alignment with the acquis remains incomplete.PoliticsDemocracyRule of LawPolitical StructureA parliamentary representative democracy

The president has a largely ceremonial role

Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Minister

DemocracyPositive steps in working for a new Constitutionlack of consultation in the legislative process

Progress in public administration in the legislative formOmbudsman institution establishedstill no progress on administrative decentralization

Kurdish Problem still prevails (significant increase in PKK terrorist attacks)

Rule of LawJudiciaryProgress through the third judicial reform packageConcernsLength of pre-trial detentionIndependence, impartiality and efficiency of the systemParticipation rate of womenLaw EnforcementDownward trend in torture & ill-treatmentOvercrowding of prisonsFighting CorruptionTransparency of political financingLack of investigation on corruption cases

Human Rights IssuesFreedom to ExpressionFreedom of Thought & ReligionFreedom of Association & AssemblyWomen & Childrens RightsMinority Rights

Freedom of ExpressionSome progressRestrictions on the media to report on criminal investigations were easedSeizure of written work before publication was prohibited

Still a increase in violation of freedom of expression

Website bansFreedom of Thought & Religion Secularism Freedom of religion is generally respected

Non-Muslim groups still face problems (property rights, access to justice, ability to obtain work, etc)

Freedom of Association & AssemblyCases of violence and use excessive use of force towards demonstrations that had not received prior authorization

The Constitutional right is sometimes interpreted in an overly-restrictive mannerCase Study: #OccupyGeziStarted as a peaceful demonstration Use of disproportionate force caused the conflict to escalate

Women & Childrens RightsProgress in legal termsThe Law on the Protection of Family and Prevention of Violence against WomenNeeds to be implemented consistently across the nation

Participation by women in employment, politics & policy making

Treatment of juveniles

Minority Rights Representatives of minority groups have been invited to the parliament to express their views on the Constitution

Full protection on the culture and fundamental rights still do not meet European standardsKurdish ProblemKurds people of Iranian decentSpeaks a different language (Indo-European)Approx. 16~25% of the population

PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party)Considered a terrorist group by the EUConstant terrorist attacks

Roboski Massacre (Uludere Killings)Discussion QuestionsShould Turkey be accepted by the EU?

What should Turkey focus on in order to be part of the EU?ReferencePicture 1. Accessed July 4th. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Turkish_EU_accession_logo2.pngPicture 2. Accessed July 4th. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EU_and_Turkey_Locator_Map.pngPicture 3. Accessed July 4th. http://www.worldtribune.com/2013/03/27/turkey-warns-cyprus-against-leveraging-energy-assets/Picture 4. Access July 4th. http://www.nationalturk.com/en/turkey-ties-with-eu-can-be-suspended-if-cyprus-assumes-eu-presidency-13058Accession of Turkey to the European Union. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accession_of_Turkey_to_the_European_UnionEU Enlargement. http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/turkey/index_en.htmWorld Databank. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?order=wbapi_data_value_2012+wbapi_data_value+wbapi_data_value-last&sort=ascEU 2012 Country Report on Turkey. http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2012/package/tr_rapport_2012_en.pdf2012 Conclusion document on Turkeys accession. http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2012/package/tr_conclusions_2012_en.pdf