Geographically Turkey is not a European state. Turkey is an Islamic state and a prominent member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to which all Islamic states from Senegal to Indonesia belong and which is recognized by the United Nations. In the same UN, Turkey also belongs to the regional groups of the Western European and Other States Group (WEOG). As such Turkey competes with the real European states for the assignment of “Western posts” within the various organs of the UN. Turkey also participates as a full member in the activities of the regional group of Asian States. As a consequence, Turkey eats from three different baskets, depending on whether it invokes its European component, its geographical position in Asia or its religious character.

Turkey’s attitude to human rights and democracy is problematic. Never mind, say proponents for the admission of Turkey: the negotiations can be stopped if Turkey were to violate the essential conditions for membership of the European Union. It is being said that the negotiation process will turn Turkey into a perfect democratic state in 15 years. It will become an example to other nations in the area, proving that Islam and democracy can be reconciled. But what about European values? Or is it backward and narrow-minded to dare to speak of the judaeochristian values that define Europe’s identity?

Apart from the ideological arguments (the influx of 80 million Muslims), the institutional and economic consequences of Turkey’s admission will be decisive. Once it becomes an EU member, Turkey will have the highest number of representatives in the European Parliament. In the European Council it will be on a par with the present Big Ones. Raising the Turkish economy to a European level, will demand from the European taxpayers enormous and sustained efforts. Are we prepared to do this?

While debating and talking on the pros and cons, the Turkish time bomb is ticking and is almost ready to detonate.