European Parliament
Ferreira, Anne (PSE ),
in writing
(FR)
I abstained from voting on the European Commission’s 2004 regular report and recommendations regarding negotiations on Turkey’s accession to the European Union for the following reasons.
I believe that the European Union’s inability to formulate, approve and construct a coherent political project is a major obstacle to the welcoming of Turkey into the Community.
It appears to me to be questionable, if not irresponsible, to follow a policy of never-ending enlargement at a time when the political dimension of the European Union and its social and tax harmonisation are far from a reality. At present, the European Union is not in a position to make political proposals of genuine integration to a country the size of Turkey.
I would note that my position is not based on arguments relating to geographical, historical, religious or cultural aspects. It is not Turkey’s ability to meet a certain number of conditions which has caused me to hold such a view, but the European Union’s inability to provide the necessary framework to create a common future.

