Turkey in Europe examples of Turkish public opinion on the issue of entrance into the European community

Abstract

SUMMARY The Turkish application into the E.C. to become a full member might be evaluated as one of the important steps taken in Turkey's Westernization efforts. The importance of the decision, on the Turkish side, has come from the fact that the application has found a general concensus among different circles and interest groups, (particularly among governing circles, businessmen and trade unions. The negative attitude only came from some Islamic groups, as during 1970s, who think that Turkish culture will be melt in European culture if Turkey integrates into the E.C. Among the supporters, Turkish governmental and business circles are the most enthusiastic groups who back the integration policy. The same groups assume that the integration of Turkey into the Community will be beneficial for both sides, Turkish and European. On the Turkish side, Turkish economy will be secured by the free-market structure of the E.C. while parliamentary democracy will be reserved ' under the European democratic structure. On the other side, Turkey will offer the Community two advantages: a larger growing market and close links with the Middle East. 79Trade unions support the integration policy for the social side of the E.C. as well as its economic implications. As they, state, the integration of Turkey into the E.C. will concern Turkish Labour movement closely and carry important social importance for Turkish workers movement as well as its economic benefits. i Only the Welfare Party remained sceptical to the integration policy by bearing a sense of fear of an erosion of national and religious identity. By evaluating the E.C. in its threatening Western context.it strongly opposed Turkey's aspiration to join the E.C. and accused the Government because of the close relationships with the West. 80