A cautious yes” “

Yes, but with extreme caution and an extended time limit. On Wednesday 6 October, the European Commission expressed its opinion on the start of negotiations with Turkey for membership of the EU. What emerged was “qualified approval”, accompanied by various recommendations, and expressions of trust and openness towards the Turkish government and people. The next official step to see if Ankara can begin its march towards Brussels is the European Council meeting of 17 December, when the 25 heads of State and government of the EU will decide whether to accept the recommendation of the Executive. Important progress, but “dark areas” remain. The Italian president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, speaking before the European Parliament on the subject of Turkish adherence to the criteria of Copenhagen (the political, juridical, economic and social parameters to which candidate States to the EU must conform), affirmed that “a wide-ranging reform process is underway that has mobilised all of Turkish society”. However, “many practical steps still have to be taken to bring the situation in Turkey close to that in our own countries. This is the reason that our position is positive but, at the same time, cautious. If one looks at a picture of Turkish society today, many dark areas remain”. Thus, “any interruption on the road to democracy and human rights will lead to an immediate suspension of talks. Results”, Prodi added, “cannot be guaranteed in advance”. Among the most delicate issues mentioned in the long document drawn up by the Commissioners and approved by them in a majority vote are: cases of torture in gaols, the lack of rights for minorities and for women, dissatisfaction concerning religious freedom and the freedom of trade unions, the unclear relationship between political power and the armed forces. Mention is also made of demographic issues and economic standards far distant from those of the 25. On the subject of the effect on the EU budget, Prodi highlighted that “it is inconceivable that Turkish integration could be inserted into financial plans for 2007-2013, upon which talks have already begun”. This would suggest that negotiations will last at least 10 years. At the end of his speech, Prodi addressed a message to the Turkish people: “We recognise your historical aspiration to fully share in the destiny and values of Europe, but the road to reach that objective is still long”. negotiations can be suspended at any time. The commissioner for enlargement, the German Günter Verheugen, presented the three texts upon which the Commission had based its deliberations: a comprehensive report on reforms in Turkey, a study on the possible repercussions of Turkish entry to the EU, and a political document that constitutes the “recommendation” upon which the European Council will have to give a definitive judgement in December. Verheugen added that the Commission has defined various ways to create a rapprochement, founded on three bases: continuing political reforms in order to satisfy the criteria of Copenhagen; recognising “the possibility that negotiations may be suspended”, and ensuring that civil society participates in the process. Finally, the commissioner mentioned the situation of other candidate States: The engagement of Bulgaria and Romania is confirmed for 2007, negotiations with Croatia will begin in 2005, while for Macedonia a pronouncement from the Council is still being awaited. Ankara satisfied, european parliament divided. Naturally, there were many different reactions at the community level. Some of the 25 premiers expressed their contentment at the Commission’s positive decision. From Strasbourg, where he was participating in the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, the Turkish premier Tayyp Erdogan said he was satisfied at the “full and unconditional yes” from the Commission. The Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul was more cautious, speaking of a “historic step for Turkey and Europe”. A favourable reaction also came from the president of the European Parliament, the Spaniard Josep Borrell who announced a report on the situation in Turkey, to be prepared by a parliamentary commission. An animated debate took place in the European Parliament. The German Popular member Hans-Gert Poettering noted that political groups have “different opinions on Turkish membership”, saying he had been struck by evidence of “un-systematic” torture which, he explained, was cynical confirmation that the practice of torture does actually exist. The German Socialist Martin Schulz felt that Turkey joining the EU could be a way of “showing that Muslim society shares the same values as those of European citizens”. For the English Liberal Democrat Graham Watson we must “avoid a conflict of civilisations, and Turkish membership will contribute to building a world in which the three great monotheistic religions may coexist peacefully”. The Euro sceptics in Parliament did not fail to note that although Turkey may be ready to join the EU, the Union is not ready to accept it. Opinions in support of the “recommendation” were expressed by the leaders of the Council of Europe, and by some third countries.