A Critical Analysis: Social Perspective on Turkey's EU Membership

This essay critically examines the social perspective surrounding Turkey's potential membership in the European Union, addressing concerns raised by a fellow student regarding risks of terrorism, migration, and social unrest. It highlights Turkey's large population and the potential for mass immigration to other European nations, which could undermine efforts to lower immigration levels. The analysis also delves into political, cultural, and geographic differences that make European politicians wary, noting Turkey's political instability and threats from Kurdish militants. The essay further explores the implications of Turkey's high number of refugees and the potential strain on European social assistance programs. Ultimately, the essay concludes that including Turkey into the EU could deteriorate the quality of life and safety of European citizens due to cultural and religious differences, leading to violence, social unrest, and political grievances.

Running head: BUSINESS IN EUROPE 1
Business in Europe
Name
Institution

Business in Europe 2
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to debate on the position taken by a fellow student on
whether Turkey should be given the opportunity to join the European Union. The student has a
negative position regarding the issue.
The student refers to the social perspective indicating that allowing Turkey to join the EU
would result to risks regarding terrorism, migration, as well as social unrest. An insight is given
regarding Turkey’s huge population which would be problematic if it joined the EU. This is
because it would result to massive Turks’ immigration to other European nations (Azrout, Van
Spanje & De Vreese, 2013). This, as a result, would demean many European governments’
efforts to lower immigration levels. Further, the vast political, cultural, and geographic
differences wary European politicians in allowing Turkey to join the block (Martin, 2012).
Turkey is politically unstable and experiences terror attack threats from Kurdish militants and
PKK terrorist group. If allowed to join EU, Turkey would bring its domestic problems across
Europe.
The student further indicates that Turkey has got the highest number of refugees globally.
Allowing the country to join the European Union would give these refugees enhanced chances of
migrating to Europe. This would be against EU’s interests since they previously negotiated with
Turkey to take in refugees from Syria, preventing them from getting to Europe (De Vreese, Van
Der Brug & Hobolt, 2012). Nonetheless, the student indicates that it would be difficult for these
refugees to obtain employment. Thus, joining the bloc would result in heavy financial load on
European social assistance programs.

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Conclusion
Giving consideration to the social perspective, life’s quality and European citizens’ safety
would deteriorate if Turkey is included into the European Union. Additionally, it is likely that
there would be a lot of violence, social unrest, as well as political grievances resulting from
Turkey’s inclusion into the EU. This is due to cultural and religious differences between Turkey
and Europe.

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References
Azrout, R., Van Spanje, J., & De Vreese, C. (2013). A threat called Turkey: Perceived religious
threat and support for EU entry of Croatia, Switzerland and Turkey. Acta Politica, 48(1),
2-21.
De Vreese, C. H., Van Der Brug, W., & Hobolt, S. (2012). Turkey in the EU?: How cultural and
economic frames affect support for Turkish accession. Comparative European
Politics, 10(2), 218-235.
Martin, P. (2012). Turkey-EU migration: The road ahead. Perceptions, 17(2), 125.