Cyprus-Forum.com

[dixi]

Does anyone just how much the EU wants to expand. Turkey is a Middle Eastern country and although Cyprus is geographically a Middle Eastern country, Cyprus is more European in terms of laws, economics, and values.

Is economic enlargement the main purpose of the EU?

[cypezokyli]

not the only purpose. but for sure an imprtant one

[Piratis]

dixi, the term "Middle East" defines a region, not a continent. Europe on the other hand is a continent.

In the same way that Egypt belongs to the African continent and Middle East at the same time, Cyprus belongs to the European continent and can also be included in the Middle east region.

Since there are no defined geographical borders for the south east of Europe in the same way that exist for the east (Urals etc) Cyprus is sometimes classified as part of Europe and sometimes as part of Asia. However since Cyprus is clearly a European country from a historical and cultural perspective it is better to be classed as part of Europe. Turkey has a small European part as well.

EU wants to expand as much as it serves the interests of the European elites. The expansion brings cheap labor to the big European industrialists. It also gives them easier access to more markets. Although we often like to idealize EU, what truly drives it is the interests of a few for more power and money. But I guess today capitalism is the only available option.

[dixi]

Piratis, I am aware of the distinction between the Middle East region and the European continent. The question is just how far does EU want to expand. I guess my question is less about geography than it is about commonality. The EU was formed to promote a European model of society. It seems that the EU is venturing into places that have very fundamental differences from European ideals.

Turkey may be more European-like than other Middle Eastern/Asian/African countries. But right or wrong, Turkey is not currently a member of the EU. Cyprus is a member and has a long-standing grievence with a potential member. I am aware of the demands that the EU presented toTurkey, however, it seems that the EU has gotten away from the ideal of political and social solidarity and is only focusing on economics. Turkey is so much larger than Cyprus with a much larger economy and money talks.

There are countries who already want to drop the euro as their monetary unit and there is growing dissatisfaction with the EU constitution. With the European's continent of internal strife and history of distrust of each other. France and Germany usually only agree that they hate the United States but otherwise their political agendas do not merge. There seems to be some very petty things going on (didn't French President Chirac walk out of a conference because a fellow Frenchman was addressing the people in English?) With the two major EU powers at odds, continuing enlargement seems a dangerous path to follow.

[gR_LIBERAL]

hi guys, if turkey joins EU so........ why not Israel to join the Arab League?

[cypezokyli]

when it is in the interest of the EU to accept israel and the arab league (and when they meet the conditions set by the EU) , it will do so.

dont take the EU as a strict geographical organisation. dont forget it was set up among other things to oppose the "east evil". now... what do you know ? the times have changed the east is not there anymore and on the contrary they are part of the EU , and soon we ll all be sharing the same coins , monetary policies, human rights principles etc...

insofar accepting turkey in the EU , or having turkey concentrated on the EU target is in the interest of the EU , they EU will act accordingly. dont forget that the relations between turkey and the EU go back longer than the one cyprus has.

[Sotos]

cypezokyli, gb_liberal didn't say "why not Israel and the arab league to join the EU" he said "why not Israel to join the Arab League" I am sure the Arabs want that to happen one day. But it is not going to be called Israel then. It will be called Palestine

[cypezokyli]

cypezokyli, gb_liberal didn't say "why not Israel and the arab league to join the EU" he said "why not Israel to join the Arab League" I am sure the Arabs want that to happen one day. But it is not going to be called Israel then. It will be called Palestine

you are right sotos.
but in the other thread he did write :

otherwise why not to call iran and azerbajan in EU?

so i guess i didnot really read what he wrote. have i read what he wrote (and not what i thought that he wrote) i wouldnt have answered to such absurdity

thank you for pointing that out.