European Union: A History and Term Paper

"Lingering concern persists about the incorporation of 10 mostly East European countries last year, which some feared would dilute EU prosperity" (Rice-Oxley 2005). When Turkey desired to join the EU, member nations questioned its ability to be integrated into the common culture of the other member nations (Rice-Oxley 2005). Turkey's human rights record made it controversial as did its: "striking difference from the European norm in terms of economics, demography, culture, religion, and even basic geography," although some member nations argued that its incorporation would encourage its government to embark upon a positive course of reforms (Rice-Oxley 2005). Going back to the reasons that the union was created in the first place, the supporters of Turkey's admission argued as thus: do we want Turkey to "live under European norms and laws or tell it go off and imitate the worst performances of its neighbors" in the Middle East (Rice Oxley 2005). After all, if historic enemies like France and Germany can unite under the banner of the EU, why not Turkey and the rest of Europe?

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