2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Turkey_in_Europe_Monitor_155页_2mb

Turkey in Europe Monitor Summary

Core Content

The Turkey in Europe Monitor is a series of monthly bulletins published by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), aimed at providing objective and in-depth analysis of the evolving relationship between Turkey and the European Union (EU) and the Turkish policies directed towards EU membership. The series covers key political, economic, and social developments, including speeches by EU officials and Turkish leaders, Commission reports, and evaluations from Turkish business associations such as TÜSİAD.

The Monitor was initially launched in January 2004, preceding the December 2004 European Council summit, which marked a pivotal moment in Turkey's accession process. It was published for 14 months, reaching over 3,500 international recipients, and served as a documentary record of the EU-Turkey relationship during this critical period.

Main Views and Key Information

1. EU-Turkey Accession Process

• Accession Decision: The European Council in December 2002 (Copenhagen) decided that Turkey would be admitted to the EU if it met the Copenhagen political criteria.
• Negotiation Trigger: The December 2004 European Council summit was expected to decide whether to open accession negotiations with Turkey, based on the Commission's November 2003 report.
• Progress and Challenges: The Commission acknowledged Turkey's significant progress in meeting the political and economic criteria, including constitutional and legislative reforms, but noted that full compliance had not yet been achieved.

2. Turkish Reforms and Democratic Development

• Constitutional and Legislative Reforms: Turkey made major strides in reforming its legal and political system, including the abolition of the death penalty, lifting the ban on minority languages, and enhancing civilian control over the military.
• Judicial Independence: The Commission emphasized the need for further strengthening the independence and efficiency of the judiciary.
• Human Rights and Freedoms: Reforms were made in areas such as freedom of expression, assembly, and religion, although the implementation of these reforms remained uneven and subject to bureaucratic resistance.
• Implementation Challenges: The Commission stressed that the success of the accession process depends not only on the adoption of laws but also on their effective and consistent implementation across all sectors.

3. EU-Turkey Relations and Public Perception

• Public Debate in the EU: While there is strong support in Turkey for EU accession, public opinion in the EU is not unanimous, with concerns about Turkey's religious identity, its capacity to integrate into the EU, and its economic and geographical situation.
• Shared Values: The EU emphasized that it is a community of shared values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and that Turkey's alignment with these values is essential for its membership.

4. Cyprus Issue

• Cyprus and Turkey: The EU recognized the importance of Cyprus to Turkey and expressed hope that a settlement based on the Annan Plan would be reached before the island's accession to the EU on 1 May 2004.
• Call for Reconciliation: The EU encouraged all parties to reengage in UN-led talks and emphasized that a unified Cyprus would be a positive example for Turkey's own aspirations.

5. Economic and Structural Reforms

• Market Economy Development: Turkey made progress in improving its market economy, though macroeconomic imbalances still persist.
• Structural Reforms: Continued efforts in fiscal discipline, banking sector restructuring, and market deregulation are necessary to enhance Turkey's competitiveness within the EU.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Encouraging FDI by removing remaining barriers is seen as a key factor in boosting Turkey's economic growth.

6. Turkey's Role in Europe

• Geopolitical Significance: Turkey is viewed as a bridgehead and a potential leader in the EU's relations with the Middle East and the broader region.
• Security and Stability: Turkey's role in regional security, particularly in light of the Iraq war, was highlighted as a factor in the EU's interest in its democratic development.

Turkish Business Perspectives

Each issue of the Monitor includes contributions from TÜSİAD, the Turkish Industry and Businessmen Association, providing insights into the business community's views on EU accession and its implications for the Turkish economy.

Conclusion

The Turkey in Europe Monitor played a crucial role in documenting the political and economic developments related to Turkey's EU accession process. It underscored the importance of continued reform, effective implementation, and reconciliation in Cyprus. The Monitor also highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting Turkey's democratic and economic transformation, while emphasizing the need for Turkey to fully align with EU standards and values to achieve membership.

The series was part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and facilitate dialogue between the EU and Turkey during a period of significant political and institutional change.