Recent events and developments have again brought Turkey-EU relations to the fore.

Not long ago EU accomplished its biggest enlargement. Elections for the European Parliament, despite lack of appeal for the public even in the new member states, has been concluded. The European Constitution, emphasizing the secular character of the Union has been agreed upon. Even a consensus has been reached upon the forthcoming President of the Commission with a typical EU compromise.

Each time these events engaged the public, one could observe a surge of views opposing Turkish membership. However, this has so far been considered in Turkey as facts of life and efforts to comply with the Copenhagen political criteria have not been decelerated. On the contrary, the Turkish Parliament adopted a new series of constitutional amendments manifesting its determination to prepare for the accession negotiations to start without any more delays.

In fact, the Presidency Conclusions of the recent Brussels European Council (June 17-18, 2004) is indicative of the recognition by the member states of the progress achieved and encourages further efforts for harmonization. The Council also reiterates its commitment to start accession negotiations if the report and recommendation from the Commission later this year proves satisfactory.

We have passed the stage of questioning if Turkey should ever be admitted to the EU and its eligibility on geographical or religious grounds. Turkey has had relations with the EEC, forerunner of the EU, since signing the Ankara Agreement on September 12, 1963 establishing associate membership which envisaged an eventual membership. Furthermore, the heads of states and governments have confirmed the candidate status of Turkey at the Helsinki Council in 1999. Since then the Turkish Governments have presented packages of legislative reform to meet the Copenhagen political criteria required from each and every candidate. Moreover, the present Government has manifested a determination to further integrate itself with Europe and demonstrated the sustainability of its reform efforts as one legislative package followed the other to comply with these criteria.

Progress in relations between Turkey and the EU for many Turks is not a matter of obsession but a redressing of its rightful place. While Europe is in the process of establishing its current identity, Turkey is trying to register itself as a serious partner with its identity recognized. These are not contradictory efforts. On the contrary, they are complementary.

No doubt, Turkey will serve as a litmus test for the politicians in Europe to substantiate their sincerity and to demonstrate adherence to commitments made. It is their turn to come to the support of a longterm ally and partner, display the stance they have taken each time eventual Turkish membership was brought before them and take a clear position vis-à-vis the future of Europe.