EURODIALOGUE
Journal of International Relations, European, Economic and Social Studies
Unquestionably, these challenges involving the future of Europe and Turkey preoccupy politicians, academics, and policy analysts, as well as the mass media and public opinion at large. It will take some time before a clear and definite path is charted. Clearly, the EU finds itself today in a very difficult situation: on the one hand, there are principles and norms that cannot be violated, and on the other, there are serious issues at stake vis-Ă -vis Turkey that have to be addressed conclusively and effectively.
III. Current Developments Inevitably this discussion is influenced by several important developments which have their own impact and influence. Within this framework it is essential to fully assess the multiple challenges that the EU is currently facing. This includes the international economic crisis and its broader repercussions. Much attention is also given to the debt crisis in the Eurozone, the future of the Euro, and the debate revolving around structural economic reforms. Furthermore, the EU has to address security issues, energy policy options, demographic and immigration challenges, as well as neighbourhood policies, succinctly and effectively. Above all, though, the EU has to revive a convincing vision for the future. On its part, Turkey is striving to achieve multiple objectives and to balance particular conflicting goals. In addition to its efforts to emerge as a regional power, it is trying to promote its European accession process while at the same time trying to avoiddealing with obligations which are an outcome of this process and of a European value system. In this regard, the Kurdish issue as well as minority issues in general constitute important themes. Furthermore, the Cyprus question presents another thorny issue: not only the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, but the issue of respect and recognition of all member states of the Union are key here. Indeed, a country which does not recognize all members of the Union and also pursues the Union’s value system cannot really expect to have a normal accession process. Turkey also must address historical and political issues with both symbolic and substantive dimensions (e.g., the issue of the Armenian genocide).
Turkey on the European doorstep
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