Turkish EU Accession Wheel Keeps on Turning

This week more news has emerged, that will add to the feeling that Turkey could indeed eventually become a full member of the EU, boosting the economies of both Turkey and the Bloc immensely.

Firstly, Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans reported on a determination within Turkey to enact a new constitution geared towards meeting all the criteria imposed by the EU. On a two day visit to Turkey Timmermans told reporters:

"I have observed strong commitment to this and a strong willingness to seek consensus via talking to other parties and trying to convince them of the importance and the necessity [of such a move]."

On Monday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained at the lack of support for constitutional changes, despite frequent overtures of democracy and progress. He said the opposition was afraid of a new constitution that granted more freedoms because it knew this would change the status quo.

"I've seen an unwavering commitment to make these [constitutional] changes, so I was very much encouraged by this. It is clear how difficult this is going to be. And at the same time the commitment was strong, and I found this very encouraging," Timmermans added.

Meanwhile Swedish FM Carl Bildt said that Turkey's recent change from a passive country to an aggressive foreign policy machine and major regional actor in recent years, strengthened its case for becoming an EU member. This could explain recent changes in stance from governments (or members of governments), including in Germany, who had previously either opposed Turkish Eu entry, or wanted to water it down to a privileged partnership and have recently come out in support.

"For some, it has been difficult to digest Turkey's change from a passive partner to the far more active role it is playing now," Bildt said in an interview with the Turkish Policy Quarterly journal. "One thing is certain; we need more dialogue with Ankara on all these issues now than before."

Further, Spanish Prime Minister Moratinos has reiterated his determination to open four more negotiation chapters during the Spanish EU Presidency.

Julian Walker, an expert on Turkish politics and director of UK based Turkish property agent Spot Blue said:

"There certainly does seem to have been a wind-change when it comes to support for Turkey to join the EU. Of course it can't go ahead until the EU's new financial framework comes into effect in 2014, but it certainly seems that we are getting to a point where, if Turkey can meet the criteria, which still requires a lot of work, then it will gain full membership."

Spot Blue is currently marketing property in Turkey from under £50,000.

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