Fule Attempts to Allay Fears over Turkish EU Accession

In an interview with the German Press Authority (DPA), the current European Union enlargement commissioner Stefan Fule has responded to fears that bias against Turkey is a major obstacle to its accession, and also spoke against those in power who say that admitting a large Muslim country, would weaken the core values of Christianity that the EU is built upon. Statements including those from the EU's president Herman Van Rompuy, who said in 2004:

"The universal values which are in force in Europe, and which are fundamental values of Christianity, will lose vigour with the entry of a large Islamic country such as Turkey."

Fule spoke out strongly, saying: "The European Union is not a religious project, it is based on values and if Turkey makes it clear that it not only shares those values, but also protects them, it should be given an opportunity."

In response to those who favour a privileged partnership, Fule said that the model is not compatible with the accession process that Turkey has entered, and nor does it fit the mandate that he was given by the 27 member governments when taking office.

Many people currently believe that EU accession for Turkey will become necessary for the EU, as Turkey continues to grow into a regional power.

"Turkey is proving itself as a regional power, and building bridges with the Middle East and Asia, whilst not burning any with the west. With oil supplies only shortening, this, the bridge of Turkey may become vital to EU interests as it seeks better relations with the oil-rich Middle East," said Julian Walker, director of UK based Turkish property agent Spot Blue.

"Also, we have the Turkish economy powering out of recession far more quickly that most EU countries, this could also strengthen Turkey's case," he added.

Spot Blue are currently marketing property in Turkey from as little as £25,000.

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