Turkey Joining the EU

Description:

The European Union started membership talks regarding Turkey in October, 2005. As additional Eastern countries join the Western-dominated EU, the entity faces increased social and political challenges but potentially positions itself as a superior global power. Proponents see the change as a way to stabilize Europe's relationship with the Middle East.

There are still a series of concerns regarding Turkey, especially because of its close ties to other Middle East countries due to religion similarities. One of the aasumption is that Europe needs Turkey as a "buffer" protecting Europe, and consequently the European Union, from waves of immigrants coming from that area.

Enablers:

• Economic opportunity
  
• Global Competition
  
• Need to stabilize Eastern-Western relationships
  
• Can create stronger connections between EU and some countries supplying oil and gas
  
• Access to new markets
  
• Islamic religion growing in Europe
  

Inhibitors:

• Objections by France and Germany
  
• Irreconcilable differences in legal systems
  
• Cultural and religious differences
  
• Economic uncertainty
  
• Fear of Mass Migration
  

Paradigms:

• Globalization versus regionalization
• A nation state as a piece of land versus a nation state as group of people

Timing:

Discussion have already begun. Membership could occur in the next 10 years.