Turkey as a member of the European Union?: a discourse analysis of the views presented in the European Parliament

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Today the European Union has 27 member states. Each enlargement has led to a fierce debate in the union if and how the enlargement is supposed to be done. How big can the union become? A set of criteria, the Copenhagen criteria, has to be fulfilled for a country to be accepted as a full member of the union. Turkey took its first steps toward accession when they became a candidate for accession in the year of 1999. Turkey did not fulfil the obligation for respect of the Human Rights. Therefore they started reforming their political system and legislation. The prospect of Turkish accession to the EU has started a debate. Why do some fear the prospect when others see it as an opportunity? The purpose of the essay was to explore and analyse which discourses are presently existing in the EU concerning the relationship with Turkey. The purpose was met by a discourse analysis made from three nodal points (sub discourses): democracy, human rights and politics. The information was gathered from the political groups which are at present represented in the European parliament. Some conclusions could be made: (1) five different discourses concerning Turkey and the EUs relationship where found, each making a unique viewpoint: full membership, eventual membership, privileged partnership, strategic partnership and objection to Turkish membership. Those who want a Turkish accession to the EU see the greatest good coming from such an arrangement, for both parties. The overall discourse put focus on the fact that Turkey can adapt to the European way and Turkeys potential role as a bridge between the European and Muslim world is the dominant argument. The EU is viewed as a trans national organisation rather than an entity that is limited to a specific territory (Europe). Those who oppose Turkish accession or propose partnership has an opposite view. They think that the EU shares characteristics with the nation-state that has its base in a specific territory and peoples who share the same history, culture and religion.: (2) At this juncture a potential majority for Turkish accession would be very small, there are to many unknown variables. It does not exist a dominant discourse. The discourses are fighting for dominance and who is going...