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Abdullah Gül Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Turkey is passing through a decisive period in her relations with the EU… We all observe that Turkey's accession has become an important topic of debate in the European countries and beyond. A lively and interesting debate is going on in the European academic and political circles. Business circles, religious leaders, media and intellectuals are contributing to this debate. Others, from the Middle East to Washington, from Moscow to Central Asian Republics are following this debate closely. I find such debates very natural and very useful. I respect the different views about Turkey, so long as they are based on objective assessments. We benefit from them immensely. Debate on Turkish-European links is sometimes reminding us peculiar aspects of our common history and culture. This debate is sometimes providing us new perspectives for our common future. Every time a prejudice against Turkey is pronounced, it is responded by a note of sympathy for Turkey. Every time a narrow mind speaks, a visionary responds. Every hesitant is being convinced by a believer in Turkey's vocation in Europe. Every time one defends a Europe excluding Turkey, another voice is heard defending a Europe with Turkey. Some try to restrain Europe to be regional body which does not need Turkey. Others highlight Europe's capacity as a global power to which Turkey would contribute. Some see the European culture and values as museum pieces restricted to certain geography. Others see that the European culture and values can flourish and enrich beyond this geography. Not long, but only a couple of years ago, everyone questioned whether Turkey would ever be able to meet the Copenhagen political criteria. Today, we are past these considerations. When our Government came to power only sixteen months ago, we did not lose time to start an ambitious reform campaign. Actually, this was the reason of our emerging as a new political movement. As a new generation of politicians we chose acting with full responsibility to our people only. We responded to the call from our grass roots asking for a better governance, higher standard of democracy and respect for rights of every sort. Since the time we were in opposition, we have seen that such demands from our people fully coincided with the requirements of Turkey's integration process with the European Union. Therefore, we supported the steps in this direction since when we were at the opposition. When we came to Government, we pushed this process forward with courage and determination. We have upgraded and deepened our democracy. We have modernized our legislation in conformity with EU standards. Political participation, civil society, the role of the parliament are being further consolidated. The legal basis for the accountability of the politicians, full transparency of public expenses, good-governance and gender equality has been improved. For decades, Turkey had capital punishment in its laws, but was not implementing it. Last year my government formally abolished capital punishment in all circumstances. Religious rights and freedoms, as well as facilities for religious minority groups were upgraded. We have opened the way for broadcasting and language courses in all the dialects and languages traditionally used by our people. These courses started to operate in three different cities. The civilian nature of the administration has been further consolidated. Anti-corruption laws have been passed, all major anti-corruption conventions have been signed. Legislations towards more transparency in administration and providing accountability of the civil servants have been passed. On the other hand, a new public administration reform project has been prepared. This project envisages a de-centralized, more efficient and streamlined public administration system. We are now starting deliberations on a new legislative process. This will include constitutional and legislative changes to address the remaining few issues. A parallel reform process is underway in the economy. All the indicators show that it has given positive results. The Turkish economy is stronger and more stable now. Confidence has been restored. For almost a decade, our economy has been able to meet the competitive pressures coming from the Customs Union with the EU. Turkey is the only country that has established a functioning Customs Union before becoming a full member. Turkey has done so without tangible assistance from the EU. The Customs Union is the best evidence of the strong and dynamic nature of our economy. I do not doubt that, by the completion of our structural reforms, and by the time of full membership, Turkey's economy will not be a burden to the EU. The opening of negotiations with Turkey next year can only further improve the stability and international standing of our economy. As EU is our major trade partner and foreign investor, full integration will further encourage the Turkish and European economies to merge. Turkish economy, with its dynamism and capacity will be an asset for Europe. Never a burden.
Turkey is not after taking a share from the European "cake". Turkey herself will make this cake bigger. Our recent economic reforms and the recent performance of the Turkish economy is a proof of this dynamism and capacity. In addition, geography has placed Turkey at the crossroads of many important energy, transportation, and communication networks. These networks link the EU to Caucasia, Central Asia and the Middle East. All indicators show that the coming decades will witness an increasing activity in this area. ….. As we move towards the EU, we shall be proving that contemporary standards and values are not confined to the followers of certain faiths. Turkey's success will create a better atmosphere to promote harmony between religions and cultures. Turkey's accession would be the best response to the efforts of those that wish to see tension and conflict between different faiths. This is particularly important since the EU already hosts and is trying to integrate many immigrants, among them over 10 million Muslims. It is the common values, joint vision and mutual interests that keep Turkey and the EU together. These values, vision and interests urge us to leave behind whatever prejudices we may have. They require us to work together for our common good. Turkey and Europe cannot stand against the challenges of our time without depending on each other: These challenges range from ecological disasters to drug problem, from racism, xenophobia, and anti-semitism to terrorism, from ethnic-religious extremism and prejudices to illegal human trade.
For many reasons, geographical, historical, political, economical, they all require our joint response . Turkey has never argued that it presently fulfills the terms of membership. Additional measures in all sorts of areas will need to be taken before we can reach complete EU standards. For that, we are moving in a determined and calculated manner. We are fully aware that it is to Turkey's own interest to proceed with the reforms. This will work to the will and benefit of our people. The reform process in Turkey is not complete, however it is already irreversible. In that sense, we must not lose sight of the true meaning of the decision in December. The criteria for the opening of accession negotiations are set and they are clear. We are ready to abide by the rules of the game. If the decision to start negotiations is taken in December, we shall open a new phase in our relations that will extend over years. Turkey's own performance will determine how long that phase will last. However, we are realist enough to predict that it will take some time. And in that time, we will solve those issues that are now considered to be "obstacles" or "difficulties" before Turkey's membership. You can change a lot on paper. You can change the rules and the legislations. And by implementing the rules effectively, you can change even the attitudes. However, more difficult part is to change minds and misperceptions. This may take a long time. In addition to the obvious criteria of membership, Turkey has had to "prove" the benefits of its membership to the EU. Unlike many new members, we did not have a red carpet thrown before us. We had to accomplish a change of minds both within ourselves and within certain parts of the EU's political structure and public opinion. There are concrete decisions to be taken by the EU on Turkey's eventual accession. Now, the EU has to act decisively. The decision in December will prove whether the EU can really look, see, and more importantly, act beyond prejudice. Then, we will both stand to gain. ….. Let me conclude by underlining that "looking beyond prejudice" is no longer an option for the EU. It has become a necessity.