Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-11-19-Speech-2-113"
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"en.20021119.2.2-113"2
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"Mr President, there is a great deal of commotion surrounding enlargement. As far as
of the new Member States is concerned, I can be brief: the Brok report offers a good insight into any remaining doubts on the part of the EU. The candidate countries must focus their efforts on certain areas. In addition, European and national politicians must clarify to their respective peoples the efforts that have previously been made by the candidate countries.
Another point is Turkey's candidature. In Helsinki, intense pressure on the EU meant that that country officially became a candidate Member. Ankara is now once again trying to press the EU for a date to open the negotiations. However, it appears clear to me that the EU should resist this pressure for the very good reason that Turkey is a country that does not fit into the EU. Although it is a democracy, it is certainly not a western one. Although it is a secular state, culture and history are very different from the current EU Member States, which bear the stamp of Christianity. We might as well delete the word 'European' if Turkey becomes an EU Member. In addition, Turkey has made some progress as a constitutional state, but not enough by a long chalk. I would, for example, remind you of the difficulties the Christians are facing in that country. The EU can offer Turkey closer cooperation in various areas, but the candidate status was a mistake that should, ideally, be put right.
The moment of accession, however, is not the EU's final destination. What kind of a European Union will we have following enlargement? A Europe that is capable of leaving behind old conflicts? A Europe that supports peace, solidarity and fair relations among its Member States?
To me, the ideas about the adoption of the Community method for the CFSP appear to be at odds with these principles. The discrepancies between the Member States in this area are simply too great. Integration in this area can for that reason only be achieved by means of coercion. It is not possible to build a balanced policy on this basis. Moreover, this area has a lot to do with our sense of identity, which only increases the potential for tension among Member States.
The countries in Europe should be vigilant about nationalism. However, it is also possible to develop nationalism at European level, whereby we only pursue the status of a world power to greater glorification of ourselves. Other large countries would then be suspect from the very start. This strikes me as even more harmful than traditional nationalism. Enlargement will hopefully bring with it some common sense on this score."@en1
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