The 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome which created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), thus forming the European Union (EU) was celebrated in Rome by the 27 leaders of the EU, who signed a declaration with respect to the current situation and future prospects for the EU. In the declaration, the EU leaders indicated that in the next ten years, they vow to make the Union more secure, stronger and resilient, competitive, sustainable and with a social responsibility and upholding a key role in the world.  Furthermore, the leaders stated that they are keeping the door open for European countries willing to join them which are respectful of EU values.

In this very special day for all of Europe, “Turkey’s EU Expert” IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu assessed this issue. Zeytinoğlu pointed out that the Union is building a new future for itself at a critical juncture because of the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the EU and growing anti-EU movements which are further destabilising the Union and jeopardising its future. Moreover, he underscored that more than ever; the EU is in dire need of a true political union.

“Regardless of all difficulties, the EU is a success story”

“60 years ago, when the Treaty of Rome was signed between the 6 founding members of the Union, the leaders had the objective of building a new Europe following the destruction which wreaked havoc across Europe after the Second World War. Indeed, the only viable solution for a Europe which had been divided by the Iron Curtain during the Cold War by the two superpowers was to unite together. This Union passed through a variety of steps, crises and difficulties before arriving to its current situation. It is of utmost importance to stress that the EU has and continues to constitute a peace project for the entire world and that its integration process has been emulated abroad.  The EU is the world’s single largest trade bloc. Strong EU Single Market is indeed a leader in terms of exports with above 5.8 trillion euros. This represents 2.5 times that of China and 3 times the amount of exports of the United States. Furthermore, the EU is the primary trade partner of 80 countries across the world including Turkey”.

“As the EU is struggling with multiple problems, more than ever, the time has come to strengthen the Union”

As Zeytinoğlu was pursuing his declaration, he indicated that, in contrast with true successes in the fields of economics and trade, the EU has not been as successful with respect to forging a long lasting political union and highlighted the need for more reform in that respect. Nonetheless, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also went on to explain that an EU which can uphold with honesty its values  and which is stronger and more united in terms of foreign policy, defence and security can be more effective in the world:

“Undoubtedly, the EU is currently facing with a variety of issues which are difficult to resolve and which do not have easy solutions. These are, notably, the necessity to further organise the Eurozone, strengthen and integrate its foreign policy, implement a common and sustainable policy with respect to the migration crisis, accelerate economic growth as well enhance social rights. It is of utmost importance for the EU and its Member States to show consistency and solidarity in order to effectively tackle such issues thoroughly. However, when one takes a closer look at EU Member States at this particular moment, one can clearly see mounting anti-EU and populist movements, with notably some far-right parties increasing their presence among the respective political scenes. This, unfortunately, has led the EU to favour short-term and visionless policies with respect to the migration crisis, also thus putting into jeopardy its very own values. Indeed, the UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU can be seen as a symptom of a general weakening of the EU. In order for the EU to tackle these weaknesses, it needs to pursue its reforms and enhance its political union. Moreover, one should note that the US led by President Donald J. Trump which has indicated the possibility for his nation to review relations with its European partners within NATO and his vision to put South-Eastern Asia at the centre of his global political ambitions can lead the EU to become less vocal and thus show for it the necessity to strengthen and enhance its capabilities in terms of foreign and defence policies”.

“Only an EU which upholds its values can constitute a vision for Turkey in its future”

IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also referred to the Rome Declaration which was made public as a result of the 60^th Anniversary of the EU. In that respect, he went on to explain that it was a source of hope that EU leaders have expressed their willingness to strengthen the EU in terms of unity and solidarity:

“Within the Rome Declaration, the leaders have expressed the following: “Taken individually, we would be side-lined by global dynamics. Standing together is our best chance to influence them, and to defend our common interests and values. We will act together, at different paces and intensity where necessary, while moving in the same direction, as we have done in the past, in line with the Treaties and keeping the door open to those want to join later”. These are important words and I do hope that the EU would pursue with such a vision in the future. Indeed, for many EU countries, the only viable alternative is a stronger and more integrated Europe and for Europe to be more and more successful, further devotion and responsibility is needed”.

Finally, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu referred to Turkey-EU relations and added the following in that respect:

“Lately, one can see that disillusionment and disappointment has increased in Turkey regarding the EU as a result of the perception of a dishonest and excluding Union. Indeed, many of citizens believe that Turkey has been faced with injustice and that unfair practice and blockages have created hurdles regarding Turkey’s EU accession negotiations process. The EU has lost the opportunity to integrate Turkey but it is critical to stress that Turkey’s contribution regarding the migration crisis as well as security issues is of utmost importance for the EU. First and foremost, one should remind that Turkey plays an indispensable role for the security of Europe. The EU still has a chance to improve its relations with the EU and put them back in track. However, one should say that only an EU which respects and upholds its own values and which pursues an honest and open policy can offer a credible vision for candidate countries such as Turkey. We do wish that such a vision would be promoted and defended by EU leaders at this historical juncture”.