YEREVAN (Armenpress)–The strategic reasoning for arguing in favor of Turkish membership of the European Union is "not convincing," according to a new study published by a German think-tank.
Reported in Die Welt–the study by the East-European Studies Institute says that the focus of Turkey’s membership has shifted to its strategic benefits–because its membership will introduce few economic benefits.
According to the report–however–the "political-strategic argumen’s are not convincing." The study moves on to note that Turkey’s accession "is not a way of preventing the ‘clash of civilizations.’"
It also criticizes claims by the German government that a democratic Turkey could be a shining example to Islamic states in the Middle East as "difficult to understand." The study has been welcomed by opposition Christian Democrat politicians–who call for the introduction of Turkey’s ‘privileged partnership’ status with the EU rather than full membership.
According to Bavarian minister Eberhard Sinner–the study should be "required reading for every head of state and government in Europe."
