Europe is getting out of our focus

For some time now it must have come to the attention of many observers like me. I don’t know if you are aware but Europe has vanished from our daily lives for some time now. Europe is distancing itself from us and we are distancing ourselves from Europe. And the decision in respect to the minaret case in Switzerland is another indicator of this divorce.

Up until recently we used to mention Europe almost everyday. Almost everyday we would argue, write columns or organize seminars regarding this subject.

The European Union climbing to the top league of Turkey was the AKP administration constitutionalism’s security. One used to believe that an administration spending effort for the full membership to the EU would at the same time not turn Turkey into a religious state. The EU was the administration’s target. Starting negotiations for full membership activated the country’s economy and increased foreign investment.

Today the European Union is not discussed anymore.

The EU is out of our daily lives

It is outside our daily lives.

The main reason is that the AKP lost its interest in the EU. There is no mention of reforms anymore. There is nothing more except for statements like “we are handling it…” Nothing visible except for the government telling us they are doing something.

It used to be different during Gül’s term. Despite all difficulties, he used to clear every obstacle because Gül really identified with the EU issue. He used to cope with difficulties.

Erdo?an has a different approach. The prime minister either has not fully digested Europe or was disappointed in respect to his expectations. He has not received any support in the headscarf issue or in the closure case. And when on top of that the economic crisis emerged together with obstacles put in our way by Europe, the prime minister alienated himself from the EU project. If he has only wanted to go on he would have taken necessary steps despite of obstacles.

Erdo?an abandoned the EU

To tell the truth, Erdo?an abandoned the European Union.

He took on an attitude as if he said, “Let them beg to me for a while.” So much so that he did not spend any effort for the reopening of the Heybeliada Halki Seminary, which would easily replace reforms.

Turkey’s priorities have changed.

In general, his perception of the world changed.

I am not labeling these developments as negative. I just want to paint a portrait of the current situation. I am trying to explain the changing shell of the country.

Turkey is looking for a new place and allies within the changing conditions in the world. I am not talking about turning its back to the West, embracing Muslim countries and giving priority to a hidden agenda or searching for one. I don’t see a trace of such a change in direction.

I see different approaches, different pursuits.

We are searching gropingly.

I am sure after a while Turkey’s external politics will come to a point that cannot be compared to former politics. If looked upon it today, I suspect that Europe will seem quite far from Turkey.

Europe will either expel from Turkey or explore it once again

Today Europe does not know what to do with Turkey or how to handle it. And that is why people, in general, react positively to Sarkozy and Merkel’s suggestion to prolong negotiations for a full membership without abandoning negotiations entirely.

However, this attitude cannot be sustained in the middle or long run. If we were to pay attention you’d see that two headings were opened for negotiation during a prime ministry term that lasts six month each. Nowadays, one heading hardly opens up for discussion. Soon there won’t be any heading left to discuss.

Europe’s general reluctance has caused disinterest in the Turkish public and less enthusiasm in the AKP.

On the other side, this was in Erdo?an’s interest.

Thus, Turkey showing the EU’s opposition to Turkey as a reason got rid of steps it would have to take. And I don’t deem it likely that the administration will take action in this mater as general elections approach.

If the mutual disinterest continues negotiations will entirely be put in the freezer and our way split by more definite lines.

Especially if Turkey finds itself a new status and new allies in the region, then the West will continue its relations via Washington which will further drift us apart from Europe.

If in the period to come Europe does not explore us once more or is unable to do so, it looks as if the divorce will become concrete.

If I were to summarize:

Turkey is slowly waking up from its dream of a full membership to the European Union, which once was the ultimate target. Disinterest increases and, tired of waiting, it slowly starts to drift apart from its fiancée.

The European Union slowly loses Turkey, its candidate for a full membership. This situation may seem good news for some but in the long run this disinterest may cost Europe dearly. Hurriyet Daily News reported.

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Category: National