European Parliament
Morgan (PSE ),
in writing
I have voted for Turkey's progress towards accession despite having serious reservations.
I would like to emphasise that my reason for voting
for
Turkey's progress towards accession is because it is a Muslim country and will serve as an important bridge between Europe and the Middle East in particular.
I have concerns, however, that Turkey still has a very large number of human rights abuses. I also have concerns that a country with such a massive number of people living in poverty will not be able to reach the levels acquired in the
acquis communautaire
, and I fear that the emphasis has been on the market access to Turkey rather than the need for Turkey to conform to the social and environmental standards in the EU. I am not interested in seeing the enlargement of Europe simply in order to see a larger market. An equal emphasis must be placed on social and environmental considerations.

