Turkish accession: some obstacles

Turkey has been a recurring topic in the past week's media. First there were attacks by the Kurdistan Working Party (PKK), then there was the retaliation of the Turkish army. Few days later there was an earthquake in the East of the country, a region were a lot of Kurds live. I first considered writing something on the Kurdish question, but that would require some research. Because I don't exactly have a lot of time right now, I will stick to more familiar terrain: what are the biggest obstacles for Turkish accession to the EU?

(1) The first issue to pop up in my mind would be the Turkish recognition of North Cyprus. In 1974 a coup d'état on Cyprus would have lead to annexation by Greece, so the Turks made a military intervention. The island has been divided ever since. The northern part declared itself independent in 1983; Turkey is the only country to have recognized it. Since Cyprus is a member of the European Union, this issue needs to be settled one way or another.

(2) Another obstacle on the road to accession is the Kurdish question I already mentioned. The EU already has talks with Turkey about accession since 2005. In the light of these talks, Turkey already expanded the rights of the Kurdish minority. At least on paper, Kurds have gained various right such as education in their own language, etc. However, relations between the Turkish authorities and Kurds remain difficult. And the EU doesn't think lightly of human right...

Do you think Turkey would make a great addition?

(3) The third, and perhaps most difficult problem to solve is one that lies with the EU itself. The public opinion in countries with notable Turkish minorities is not in favor of Turkish accession. I think of Belgium, France, Germany, etc. The governments of these countries are most sensitive to this. Strange enough, a lot of Turkish immigrants and their children aren't big fans of Turkish accession either. Promises have been made so if Turkey insists it will become a member state. But all the stalling might make that Turkey changes its mind.

I myself am a most fanatic supporter of Turkish accession. Turkey has a young and dynamic population, a growing economy and a (relatively) big army. Also, as a predominantly muslim country and gateway to the Middle East, it holds diplomatic and strategic importance. I honestly hope we can welcome Turkey in the EU within a matter of years!