The Transatlantic Trends 2007 public opinion survey, sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Compagnia di San Paolo, was released recently. As usual, this significant study contained interesting results both for the transatlantic community and Turkey.

A new strategy for Europe should entail three dimensions. The first and most urgent one is the second tier, which is made up of think tanks, opinion makers, columnists and civil society. The second dimension is that of the European public. This must involve a more long-term strategy and should entail professional assistance. The third dimension is that of Turkish public opinion. Here, a renewed effort is needed as the pre-election period demonstrated a concrete lack of information and an abundance of misinformation regarding the European Union. Regardless of the figures and projects handed in Ankara by the EU Delegation of the European Commission, the result is not very positive. True, this should not only be the responsibility of the EU delegation and must also be shouldered by the body of Turkish politics as well, particularly the government, which campaigned on a pro-EU ticket throughout the July 22 general elections campaign. In this respect a new dialogue and understanding is needed.

Turkey has done its homework. It has completed a critical general election in an orderly fashion and without any irregularities; an election that was pretty much forced upon the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) due to Parliament’s inability to elect Abdullah Gül president.

“When we have consolidated our democratic maturity, instead of being suspicious of each other we will understand each other better. When we can ask our questions openly and benefit from the dynamism stemming from the diversity of our opinions, it will no longer be a challenge to overcome the problems our country encounters. I believe, on this issue, that those occupying the upper echelons of the state carry great responsibility.”