Turkey Watch: EU Member States’ Perceptions on Turkey’s Accession to the EU
edited by Sait Akşit, Özgehan Şenyuva, Çiğdem Üstün,
Center for European Studies, Middle East Technical University
Turkey Watch addresses one general question, which is the following: How has Turkey’s candidacy been perceived in EU member states between the years 2006 and 2009?
Different experts from the member states are asked to take up the question, and to give qualitative insights by considering the perceptions of some of the main actors in their respective countries: the governments, the opposition parties, the civil society organisations and the media… With the various country studies, it was tried to find answers to the following questions, through a consideration of the period between 2006 and 2009:
How strong is the debate on Turkey?
How informed is the debate on Turkey?
What forms the basis of the perceptions of the different actors?
Are there certain myths and prejudices that dominate the debate on Turkey in these countries?
What are the reasons and motives in support for or opposition to Turkey’s membership?
What are some of the perceived opportunities and challenges presented by Turkey’s membership?
Is there convergence of arguments in favour of or against Turkey on a cross-country basis?
Should perceptions on Turkey’s membership be considered within a broader context such as that of future of Europe?
