A Perfect Addition To The Eu

[Noe-schitt]

I understood Turkey was being fast tracked into the EU another reason to leave
http://www.itv.com/news/story/2016-03-05/turkish-newspaper-seized-by-government/

[jomifl]

Turkey won't join the EU. Germany has all the foreign workers(refugees) it needs.

[-Talbot-]

I have been wondering if ichkeria is standing with Turkey on this!

[Togo]

Lol @Talbot.

[Gromit]

Turkey were not being fast tracked for EU membership.

They applied in 1987 and do not even have ascession status yet. They are decades away from joining, if ever, because Germany do not want them.

To put that forward as a reason for leaving the EU is totally bonkers. But the Brexitters seem desperate to exploit any fear, no matter how ludicrous.

[Gromit]

Ichkeria's support for the increasingly fascist regime in Turkey is probably becuase they increasingly resemble the corrupt junta in Ukraine.

[ichkeria]

I was about to agree with you Gromit and then you spoiled it all with your last ignorant comment on Ukraine
Anyway, only 4 more months of scare stories to come from both sides of the EU debate

[Noe-schitt]

No of course not
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/refugee-crisis-eu-calls-extraordinary-summit-with-turkey

"The EU has promised billions of euros, an easing of visa restrictions and fast-track membership for Turkey to persuade it to tighten border controls."

[jourdain2]

I heard what Noe-schitt heard. The last country we want in EU is Turkey, but that is the bribe. Another reason to leave.

[ABerrant]

"... Germany do not want them."

It is Angela Merkel who has spearheaded the cash and visa liberalisation deal with Turkey.

https://euobserver.com/enlargement/130735

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-5860_en.htm

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-582_en.htm

[Gromit]

Noe-schitt,
Turkey has been promised that for decades and they never get it. They no longer believe the promises. And their economy is growing faster than most EU countries. Which is why they are no longer afraid of a EU backlash to their oppression.

[Noe-schitt]

And no doubt Angela Dorothea Merkel had her fingers crossed behind her back while David Cameron was saying "I still want Turkey to join EU, despite migrant fears"

[-Talbot-]

Are you sure you have no doubts, Noe-schitt?

[Noe-schitt]

Well I said it three times

[Gromit]

Visa liberatisation, and full member status are a million miles apart.

[Hypognosis]

A leading Turkish diplomat was grilled on HardTalk, this week. Should be available on iPlayer.

Disproportionate refugee burden, borne by Turkey was raised. They're asking for help and I reckon that, if EU doesn't send aid, they'll use the guilt factor as a bargaining chip. Once in, Turkey could reasonably suggest refugees are distributed in equal numbers to all member states.

[ABerrant]

Yes, one allows 75 million people visa-free access to the Schengen Area, and the other also allows 75 million people visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

[Noe-schitt]

Well I'm glad you're not worried by it but I am

[atalanta]

I thought a country applying for EU membership had to be democratic, and to have equality legislation in place. Don't think that applies to Turkey.
And, by the way, did you know that two-thirds of married turkish women admit to being bashed by their husbands ? Not the sort of people we want as fellow-members.