Turkey accession talks may take 10-15 years
Turkey's accession to the EU is a long process which will take at least 10-15 years, a German expert said.
"Presently, talks are held rather efficiently on technical and economic issues. However, the problems of national minorities, human rights and freedom of speech have not been addressed yet," said Ralph Fuecks, co-chairman of the Berlin-based Heinrich Boell Foundation.
Successful completion of talks will not mean final accession of Turkey to the European Union, according to him.
"The decision will be taken by all EU member states. Presently, France, the Netherlands and Austria oppose Turkey's bid. Moreover, France has issued a law calling for a European referendum on Turkey's accession. The problem is that within several years Turkey will become the biggest European state and it would be impossible to neglect its opinion. One more thing, there is a 2-century gap between Istanbul and the rest of Turkey and I think that the majority of the country's population do not share European values. In addition, I can mention the Kemalist fundamentals of the state system. So, Turkey can't be a full-fledged member of the Union yet," Dr Fuecks said.
"Presently, talks are held rather efficiently on technical and economic issues. However, the problems of national minorities, human rights and freedom of speech have not been addressed yet," said Ralph Fuecks, co-chairman of the Berlin-based Heinrich Boell Foundation.
Successful completion of talks will not mean final accession of Turkey to the European Union, according to him.
"The decision will be taken by all EU member states. Presently, France, the Netherlands and Austria oppose Turkey's bid. Moreover, France has issued a law calling for a European referendum on Turkey's accession. The problem is that within several years Turkey will become the biggest European state and it would be impossible to neglect its opinion. One more thing, there is a 2-century gap between Istanbul and the rest of Turkey and I think that the majority of the country's population do not share European values. In addition, I can mention the Kemalist fundamentals of the state system. So, Turkey can't be a full-fledged member of the Union yet," Dr Fuecks said.
