Anthony Giddens gives a thumbs up to Turkey

The British sociologist Anthony Giddens, who was a guest at a seminar sponsored by a Turkish association in Istanbul, stresses the necessity of accepting Turkey as an EU member. "Turkey contradicts all our stereotypes. It is a country in the midst of a rapid and profound modernisation process. Europe's presence in Turkey is perceptible: prices are indicated in euros and the euro is accepted practically everywhere, in large cities as well as the remotest regions ... Turkey has made great strides in recent years, thanks largely to the prospect of EU membership. Europe needs Turkey just as Turkey needs Europe. The latter cannot aspire to be a world-class geopolitical player if it turns its back on Turkey."

» to the homepage (external link, La Repubblica)
More from the press review on the subject » EU enlargement, » Turkey
All available articles from » Anthony Giddens

» To the complete press review of Thursday, June 29, 2006