Turks Enjoy a Little Schadenfreude at EU’s Expense

Many Turks are now thanking their lucky stars that Europe delayed Turkey’s accession into the European Union. Turkey, associate member of the European Economic Community since 1959, applied for full membership to the EEC in 1987 and was recognized as an EU candidate in 1999, undergoing many reforms along the way. The insult felt by Turkey over delay was keen after rival Greece’s accession in 2000: “After years of seeing their bid to join the EU stalled, Turks are trying not to show too much pleasure these days at the doom-laden economic news emanating from Europe,” reports Peter Kenyon for NPR. Kenyon repeats economists’ warnings that Europe’s problems could still spread: “Analysts say Turks would do well to stifle the schadenfreude, however, because the EU remains Turkey's largest and most important trading partner.” Many Turks suspect their Muslim heritage is the reason for delay. While many Turks oppose accession, the nation remains an EU candidate. – YaleGlobal