EU Observer
August 16, 2004.
Vatican stirs debate on Turkish EU membership
16.08.2004 – 09:52 CET | By Honor Mahony
Negative comments by a high-ranking Cardinal in Vatican about Turkish
membership of the EU have once more stirred the controversial debate.
In an interview last week with Le Figaro magazine, Cardinal Joseph
Ratzinger said that Turkey is “in permanent contrast to Europe” and that
linking it to Europe would be a mistake.
To make his point he spoke of the Ottoman Empire’s incursions into the
heart of Europe in past centuries.
Cultural riches should not be sacrificed for the sake of economic
riches, the Cardinal is quoted as saying in Turkish media.
The German, who heads the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith, said that Turkey, which is a predominantly Muslim secular
republic, should seek political union with Arab states and not with
European countries.
He suggests it “could try to set up a cultural continent with
neighbouring Arab countries and become the leading figure of a culture
with its own identity”.
Turkish rejection
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected the Cardinal’s
comments.
“The Vatican is a religious state. We are speaking to and making
evaluations with EU member countries,” said Mr Erdogan, according to
Zaman.
All of these comments come ahead of some crucial decision in the EU
about Ankara’s bid to join the bloc.
The European Commission will publish a report in October on Turkey’s
readiness to join.
On the basis of this report, EU leaders will make a decision in
December.
But Turkey already has support from some influential countries in the EU
– including the UK and Germany.