Nationalism and the Turkey - EU relations: Perspectives from both sides

Since almost two years nationalism in Turkey is on the increase. The nationalistic discourse encompasses the internal relations between different social, ethnic and religious groups. It has also extended to the Turkey EU relationship. Although the accession negotiation process is continuing on a technical level, the public discourse in Turkey about its EU ambitions has died down. While in the past the Turkish military forces seemed to be one factor in the country that is ostensibly pro-European, the announcements of the National Security Council and Chief Commander of the military last spring left the impression that this is no longer the case. In its press statements, the military explicitely accused the European Union of being interested in dividing Turkey and supporting those forces that are to be considered enemies of the state: human rights activists and civil society organisations demanding a democratic, pluralistic state which recognises ethnic and religious minorities.The negotiation process between Turkey and the European Union started only two and a half years ago. But instead of movingsteadily towards a rapprochement, both sides seem to be drifting apart. Those forces inside the European Union that favour Turkey’s EU accession also seem to decrease, while those favouring a so-called special relationship dominate the debate. It is not only Nicholas Sarcozy who is explicitly against Turkey’s EU membership, other countries - like Germany – have become sceptical towards the project they voted for only some years ago. Where do these developments lead the EU and Turkey? Is there a will and a way to open up this bottleneck? What can and should be expected from both sides to reverse the proces of drifting apart?

Speakers:
- Volkan Aytar, programme officer democratisation programme, TESEV
- Umut Özkirimli, associate professor of politics and director of Turkish-Greek studies, Istanbul Bilgi University - Riccardo Serri, Political Desk Officer, Turkey Team, DG Enlargament
Moderator:
Dr. Ulrike Dufner, Director Turkey Representation Heinrich Böll Stiftung e.V.