"In the short to medium term, I think the earthquake will not quicken Turkey's accession to the EU. What I see is an effect that can be described as the reversing of the process of deterioration in relations between Turkey and the EU..."
Dr Memet Ugur, EU-funded senior lecturer at the University of Greenwich

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Listen to our debate hosted by Dan Damon . Do you agree with the views of our contributors?

Background ¦ Your reaction ¦ Listen to the debate

The Background:

The devastation caused by the massive earthquake in Turkey has undoubtedly left the country's economy badly damaged, made tax and finance reform harder, and created social anger and political divisions.

Could this increased vulnerability provide a new opportunity for the European Union to bring help which will improve the image of the EU in Turkey?

Could it at the same time, increase its influence on the Turkish government so that problems of human rights and weak democracy will be dealt with?

Joining Dan Damon for this week's Europewide debate are Dr Tunc Aybak, University of Middlesex, a writer on EU-Turkish relations and Memet Ugur, EU-funded senior lecturer at the University of Greenwich and author of a book on Turkey and the EU.

Background ¦ Your reaction ¦ Listen to the debate

Your Reaction:

Turkey should be included in the European Union, for the benefit of all, Europe would provide a stabilising effect to the country, and aid it's development. Whilst in return Turkey would have to be more humble in it's negotiations over Cyprus, with Turkey's position in the Middle East the European Union would rise in power and prestige as a real Middle Eastern player, and also the incredibly strategic position of Turkey would increase the EU's military position if needs be.
Vernon Hunte, England

Humanitarian aid for Turkey is a necessity at this sad time. However, the international community must not allow this terrible event to blind them from Turkey's poor human rights record, continual oppression of the Kurds and illegal occupation of northern Cyprus, which everyone seems to forget!
Michael Sotiriou, UK

While the earthquake spotlighted the need for assistance in Turkey, it also showed a government unwilling to rush to the side of its own people. Perhaps this, above all other points, shows why Turkey is not in the EU: the country needs to improve its human rights and assistance record.
NYU Student, USA

Despite the aid the EU has supplied Turkey during the past two weeks, I can not see this event hastening Turkey's entry into the EU. Once the dust has settled Turkey will still face the same obstacles for EU membership as it has always done. Furthermore, the willingness of Turkey to join the EU may well be effected by political parties such as the Virtue Party who could make major gains with the masses by perceiving the earthquake as an 'act of god'.
Matt Bourne, UK

Unfortunately not - in my view anyway. The EU remains heavily prejudiced against Turkey - mainly on religious grounds. Economically Turkey has a stronger case than Bulgaria, Romania and others. Another issue remains the Cyprus "problem" where Turkey's "invasion" in 1974 is constantly distorted by Greece and the UK in particular for their own purposes. Unfortunately Cyprus will not gain full membership until this "problem" is solved. The solution to that "problem" rests with the USA who understands far better than the EU the key nature of Turkey's strategic location for Western interests.
Michael Blunden, England

No. The Earthquake hasn't solved Turkey's human rights problem, and it had further damaged the country's economy. Therefore, how could Turkey possibly qualify for EU membership?
Nicolas Jarraud, France

It seems the whole world needed this tragedy to overcome its unfair prejudices against Turkey. Even Greece who has stubbornly tried to block Turkey's membership to the EU for years is now extending its hand for help. This is a new awakening not only for Turkey to realise and overcome its weaknesses but for the whole world who has been rather late to acknowledge Turkey's importance. It's not pity that has triggered this dramatic change towards Turkey's full membership, it must also be realising one's own unjust prior judgements.
NİMET DİKENCİK, TURKEY

I find it ridiculous that the two things can somehow be linked. Turkey as a country is having serious problems with growing Islamic militancy. The governments of Europe are already finding it difficult to combat the same problem. We should consider this before welcoming them with open arms.
Jane England, England

No. An earthquake cannot lead to softening of the conditions for Turkey's entry into EU. On the contrary, since the heavily industrial area was damaged in the earthquake the Turkish GDP will shrink in the next 5-6 years and therefor its entry into EU will become even more remote.
J. Kozak, US

The UK has its poor human rights record with Northern Ireland. Spain fought against Basques separatist through death squads. France discriminates against North African immigrants through its laws. Germany has a history of genocide against Jews. Italy has a different government each week. Based on the recent histories of EU countries, I think Turkey is well qualified to be an EU member.
Tony, USA

The European Union must find a defining limit to the expansion and accession on new members. In my humble opinion the EU should not include the Turkish Republic and the Russian Federation. All kinds of co-operation, association and closed relation should be formed (as they already are) with the other countries. Because after all the whole world will become closer and interconnected.
Francesco Scordato,

I empathise completely with the lady from Sierra Leone(in Africa).The Turks mishandled the tragedy abysmally!
Peter Crawford-Bolton(16), UK in US

EU membership for Turkey depends on Turkey accepting EU ideals and rules! It should have nothing to do with an earthquake. The recent misfortune could work either way. It could push Turkey closer to Europe or could isolate it further. It all depend on Turkey's Generals and their continuing grip on Turkish people lives. Notably Greeks among other Europeans demonstrated their sympathy to the Turks affected by the disaster over the last few days which proves that there is no prejudice or enmity against Turks beyond the heads of the Turkish Generals. Turkey should know what it takes to join the EU and is now called to choose. As a Greek, I would welcome a change in Turkish policies making EU membership for Turkey a real possibility.
Padelis Koul, England, UK

Turkey still has serious breaches in human rights. Specifically with those relating to the Kurdish people. How can we allow a country to enter the EU when they still threaten the death penalty on Ocalan. They may be terrorists but capital punishment is immoral.
Malcolm Wood, United Kingdom

The earthquake will temporarily affect people's feelings towards Turkey. The next big disaster will distract us all and Turkey will be judged on her fitness to join the EU. That is, has Turkey become a modern democratic and just society. All such states would be welcome in the EU. To change attitudes and institutions in Turkey will take more than a horrible disaster and the EU Leadership will no doubt ignore the short-term sympathy effect.
D Jones, France

Whilst I feel sorry for the victims of any natural disaster, that does not make them eligible for entry into the EU. There has been a lot of talk in the media recently regarding the financial status of Italy and that is in peak condition compared to that of Turkey. The world chipped in to help the disaster fund in various ways but it does not make their credible. Far from it, it just shows how much their finances are on a tight-rope. Come back in 50 years with a stable government and financial balance then maybe the EU will consider your request for membership.
John Churchman, UK/Germany

NO! UNFORTUNATELLY NO! In spite of the fact that I sympathise the Turkish people for its tragedy, I also believe that the Turkey Image in the world is NOW the WORST it could ever be. The Turkish government shows European Countries the opposite face of what they were after for a long time. THE ONLY LIKELY thing to happen now is for Turkey to become more open with European people and ideas. And it's a GREAT CHANCE for them so, I hope, they'll be clever enough to keep it!!!
Elanor, Greece

Many positive developments are occurring in Turkey out of this great tragedy. Now the reforms in the Turkish system have to be pushed further and Europe needs to encourage these by at least putting Turkey on the candidate's list on condition that it solves its long standing problems such as the Economy, the Kurdish issue, Cyprus and relations with Greece. Turkey is still a long way from full membership but to recognise Turkey as a candidate nation will help encourage the democratic voices in Turkey during this period of reform.
A movement by Turkey towards the EU will help to erode the power of the state, which is the cause of most of Turkey's problems. The Turkish people could solve Turkey's problems, they now know that they and Greek people can live and work together the illusions the state created have been shattered. Under Turkey's current political system the people do not have enough power to create the change, Europe needs to help change that.
James, England

Why should a natural disaster have any effect on Turkey's chances of entry into the EU? Making decisions like that based on emotion instead of reason leads to future political disasters.
Richard T Ketchum, USA

If Turkey stops the genocide of the Kurds and occupation of Kurdistan - maybe, just maybe!!??
Iskender Ozden, UK

As tragic as the earthquake was I don't think it should be a catalyst for membership of the EU. The economy has to be ready for it and the population MUST support it. You can't just splash out and buy long term support. It will take time. After all, throwing money at Turkey and getting them to join isn't going to make them suddenly very fond of Greece whom they've been at odds with for so long!
Matt, Ireland

It is at least naive to claim that a natural disaster would change a well-planned policy of Europe concerning Turkey. It can't be done and it won't happen. What will happen is an extra financial aid from the EU for humanitarian reasons which is important and necessary. The political system in Turkey is so complicated and the political culture is so different and these are the main reasons that keep away Turkey from the rest of Europe. There are many steps to be done from both sides to have an outcome like Turkey to be a full member.
Nick, Greece

I see little connection, if any, between the earthquake and an EU membership. Is the membership some sort of emotionally, politically correct reward? And why in the whole world does Turkey need an EU membership recognition? By claiming European, will Turkey turn out to be a better place? If that should be the case, why not claim to be the 51st state of the United States. I am sure American financial help does not fall far behind that of Europe.
Christophe Wu, France

First of all I want to express my sympathy to the victims of this terrible disaster that hit Turkey. In my view Turkey should not be considered to become a member. Turkey has a poor human rights record. It shows no respect for the European court of human rights, It continues to violate the rights of its people --yes including the journalists that they may publish the "wrong" article which they end up in jail. Turkey refuses to recognize the Kurds as a minority group and their treatment is beyond anything anyone can even write.. Turkey has invaded Cyprus and it is still illegally --certainly under UN objections--occupies 1/3 of the island making it one of the heaviest militarised spots on earth! Shall I write more? You can research this subject yourself and without any doubt you can see that Turkey has no place in an organization such as the EU, UNLESS Turkey itself recognizes all of these problems and to start doing something about them... Only then EU should consider to review Turkish membership to EU.... Thank you
George Pavlou, USA

EU membership is still far away for Turkey. Turkish state needs modernisation, Turkish republic is not a democratic state; great problems with human rights & hostility against neighbour countries continue to exist. The great hope is that people believe in a different, non-Ottoman, westernised way of life.
Ioannis Chatzidakis, Greece

Turkey should not become a member of the EU because of a natural disaster. It should become a member when it respects the rights of its people and foreigners residing in Turkey. Turkey demands the rights of its citizens residing in Germany but treats the Kurds like animals. Respecting human rights of people of ALL backgrounds - incl. religions, ethnic backgrounds, and ESP WOMEN, should be a priority of the Turkish govt and civil society. However civil society will never modernize or help change the country as long as medieval religious leaders pollute the rural populations. Hence, Turkey remains a third world country for many reasons - under such circumstances it is for Turkey to figure out how to deal with these problems on a domestic level and not for the EU to bail out with deutsch marks.
David Edwards, United States

In the short term no--in the long term, most definitely yes. Because of the catastrophe, Turkey has found itself inundated with media attention. The exposure, and anticipated exposure, as European agencies become more involved with the rebuilding process , will eventually lead to a shift in Europe's public opinion in favor of membership. It is true that for some time Turkey has had an image problem within the EEC, hopefully the increasing exposure will allow us (Europeans) to re-evaluate our position with more insight, thus ameliorate the outdated "bogeyman" of Europe stereotype. Currently, when speaking of Turkey's ailments, we tend to be slightly perfunctory in our judgements, quickly referencing the "human rights", "lack of democracy", "fascism", etc. In-depth coverage will finally lead many of us to an informed realization that Turkey's problems are not really any different than many of our own European 'issues' (Span, England, Greece to name a few). Is what goes on in Turkey's southeast is really any different than what we have been doing in Northern Ireland? Public policy needs a heavy dose of introspection with regard to our own variants of xenophobia, fascism and racism. Only then, perhaps we will be able to understand that it has been our national imaginations that are also guilty of human rights abuses.
Clay Schouest, USA

No, and it shouldn`t either. In the verge of every natural disaster all countries must pitch in to help the people but we cannot base political decisions on natural causes... There are good reasons why Turkey is still not considered as a prospect member of the EU. Economical instability, violation of basic Human Right in Turkey and abroad, violation of International Law in the case of Cyprus, deliberate aggravation of ties to neighbouring Greece etc. A country wishing to enter a group of civilized advanced countries like the EU must at-least show good will in solving these lasting and burning problems. So far that does not seem to be the case. Fifteenth century politics (might is right) cannot be tolerated in a 21st century world. Shortly, Turkey needs to decide whether it is European or Arab, whether it can abide by international law or prefers to be a loose cannon... Then we can talk about accession and co-operation with the EU.
Vivien Cooksley, Austria

The recent earthquake revealed how unprepared Turkey is to become a European Union member. The Turkish state presented to the whole world its apathy to help the victims, who had been deceived that they were living in a strong and modern country. I believe that Turkey has to cut its huge military expenses and improve the quality of the lives of its people and of its democracy as well. Another problem that this earthquake revealed is its intention to built nuclear reactors at a dangerous seismic area.
Emmanouil Vrentzos, Greece

Turkey comes no where near to being qualified to join the EU. The Turkish Army, for example was no where to be found when the earthquake struck. This is the same Army which is so efficient in suppressing the rights of the Kurds. Turkey needs to reorganize its human values for qualification.
Hadi Bah, Sierra Leone

Of all the reasons and issues to consider for Turkish membership, one of them should not be pity. The biggest consideration to EU membership should be what Turkey could contribute to Europe on a normal basis. Turkey should not be admitted as a charity case, otherwise it could become the Sick Man of Europe all over again.
Tom Byrne USA

Both Turkey and EU need a change of mentality. Turks need to abandon their old-fashioned government mechanisms. EU needs to stop seeing Turks as "problem people". The earthquake did not change anything but it is an opportunity for both parties to reconsider their views of themselves and of each other. If Turks use this opportunity to improve the country that would have a positive effect on EU members. However, just for the sake of pity or mercy EU won't let anybody in, especially Turkey.
Dogan Atay USA

Until turkey acts more like a modernised industrial nation, and kills its 3rd world attitude and style, It should not be allowed in the EU.
George Pignataro, New Jersey, USA

I hope not! The fact that they suffered a natural disaster is by itself not enough. In terms of political development, Turkey lags far behind other EU states. It does not have a political system or tradition of human rights observance that people from other western European states would feel comfortable with. Turkey is, and will continue to be, a "wannabe" western country. Turks must first of all be real about themselves, before they can truly evolve to the level of other EU states. I would not advise the EU to admit any new member states over whom swirl strong accusations of past or ongoing genocide. Can or will Turkey and the Turkish political system ever bring itself to apologise and pay reparations to the Armenians? And how about it's violent heavy-handed "Balkan style" mishandling of it's Kurdish minority? Raising these questions in Turkey today is itself a criminal offence. Is this combination of fascism, violence and official denial something western Europeans would want to get in bed with? In politics, as in romance, we must choose our bed-mates carefully! Turkey can and should get EU membership following further openness and reform of it's government and political system.
Les Farkas, USA

It may well be that the earthquake has provided an opportunity for modernisation (such as Germany and Japan had after WW2) which might lead to an improvement in economic terms. However, there will also have to be greater political stability, which means, amongst other things, that the situation in South East Turkey must be normalised. But that cannot be brought about by foreign economic aid. Any improvement in human rights standards, democracy and the rule of law will depend entirely on the political will of the Turkish Government to abide by the international standards by which it is already bound.
Peter, Netherlands

Has the earthquake made EU membership for Turkey more likely?

Final Votes:

100% 0%
			Yes: 81%		No: 19%