Turkey’s Euro-vision

Abstract

Concluding remarks: Both sides have to overcome their misperceptions and distrust towards the each other, and to understand the new dynamics of globalisation and regionalism. For Turkey, The reconciliation with its own history, region and identity is necessary. Turkey has to redefine its identity as a Eurasian and Euro-Mediterranean country as well as Middle Eastern.25 As a matter of identity and interests, Turkey has to have a more orientation between East and West. As a Muslim country, Turkey has to ensure that the war on terrorism after 9/11 does not become a ‘civilizational’ struggle between Islam and West. As a European country, Turkey should carefully consider its interest in supporting US-led actions in the Middle East with its own and European counterparts’ interests. For Europe, If the EU wants to puruse an active policy towards the Middle East it needs Turkey’s assistance in understanding the Muslim societies of this region. “Oil supplies and markets for its products are the key elements in Europe’s relationship with the Middle East. Both of these depend on stability in the region, which is one of the reasons that the EU has committed substantial sums in assistance, in particular to support the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.” The EU itself knows that it has a very important and economic role to play in the Middle East, but not a very influential political one, which can be implemented by Turkey. In sum, this requires the inclusion of Turkey and the task of re-defining European identity. When Turkey’s candidacy for membership was finally confirmed after a process of 36 years the Eurocrats’ minds were not clear about Turkey. “The idea that the EU cannot admit a Muslim country to its ranks may still form part of the semi hidden agenda of many Western European politicians and have some effect on public opinion. Even among themselves, Western Europeans are quite divided on what sort of identity they want for the EU. Should it be a full political union, with a stronger degree of implied cultural homogeneity, or a looser group restricted primarily to the economic sphere? This debate within the EU has great relevance to the future of its relations with Turkey.” Europe has to continue to appreciate Turkey’s difference, as it did in the last Eurovision contest. But, Turkey has also to understand that ‘Euro-vision’ is indeed a contest but not only in singing! Show more