The Question of Identity

The aim of this research paper is to investigate the role of identity in the debate over Turkey joining the EU as a full member. Specifically, we need to answer the question of whether there is a common European identity, and if so, can the Turkish national identity be integrated into it. Former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez has said, “Europe...should stop at the borders of Turkey because of social and cultural differences.” [1] Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have also expressed their reservations about the accession of Turkey to the EU. Sarkozy going as far to rule out full membership for Turkey because it is time to “say who is European and who isn’t.” [2] Why are these policy makers formulating their argument against Turkish membership in terms of identity? Why should social and cultural differences be seen as a barrier to joining the EU? And, what do we mean by identity anyway? What factors create and shape identities to allow people to express themselves as British, French, Turkish or European? What is it that makes the people of the current EU member states ‘European’ and Turks not? Finally, if Turkey is to join the EU as a full and welcome member – can an EU citizen be simultaneously Muslim, Turkish and European?