We cannot give up on the EU because there is a crisis

The current atmosphere is prevalent both here and in the international public. The fact that Europe is not able to overcome its crisis creates disappointment and shakes the confidence in the European Union.

Truly, the EU has demonstrated a performance that was the least expected of it. As a result of this irresoluteness, the future of the monetary union looks even more uncertain. Along with the financial and economic crisis, the soaring unemployment is openly threatening EU countries.
When we view the European Union from outside today, we see a severely complicated picture managed by leaders who cannot decide and who are unable to think long-term.
Why did Europe attract all of us?

Because it had leaders who thought long-term. Because they were able to decide without getting stuck in fruitless domestic politics. Because it was an isle of stability. Membership in the EU was very attractive because they knew how to calculate.

The European Union, whichever country it opened its doors to, made that country rich. No country became poor because of becoming a full member.

Negative stances toward EU increasing

The fact that Europe is somehow unable to take a precise series of decisions and overcome the crisis pleases the chronic EU opponents very much. This is only natural. What is new is that this assessment has started being heard both from EU supporters and government and bureaucratic circles. There are those who say, “Thank God, they have not accepted us to full membership. Look at that situation these guys are in; they are miserable.”

There are also those who make deep analyses (!) as such, “What do we have to do with the EU? What happens if we enter?” Those who draw attention to how the new rising star Turkey can find new markets in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa can even say we do not need Europe anymore.

This wind blows in the public. The crisis makes the person on the street fearful. The confidence in Europe is gradually diminishing. As a result, full membership to the EU loses its former appeal.

It is wrong to judge Europe based on today

Today’s crisis does not stem from Europe. It started in the United States, rolled over and stood at Europe’s door. The primary reason Europe cannot save itself from this situation is that it did not take the necessary steps against this threat in time.

It would be extremely wrong to look at the current situation and reach essential decisions regarding Turkey.

When we look behind, we see that the EU has experienced many crises. In each one of them, it knew how to overcome these crises. The examples are numerous.

The EU will learn its lesson and strengthen

This week’s summit demonstrates that the EU has taken the necessary lessons from the crisis. If needed, it will eliminate the rotten apples in the monetary union. It will be stronger in five or six years.
Let’s not forget that if the union did not exist, neither Greece, nor Ireland, nor Italy, nor Portugal would have escaped bankruptcy. Thanks to the union, Germany can allow its safe box to be used; a struggle en masse is able to be made.

In such an environment, it would be extremely wrong to change Turkey’s long-term plans by looking at short-term developments.

What Turkey needs the most is a rich and stable market, in addition to scientific and technological data which cannot be met by Arab countries or Russia.

Not to mention that the only road to fill our democratic gap still passes through the European Union.
Let’s be patient. At the end of the day, we will find a brand new EU in front of us.