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.

A recent German Marshall Fund poll titled Transatlantic Trends 2007 reported that only 40 percent of Turks support EU membership. Interestingly, 56 percent of Europeans thought it was likely that Turkey would join the European Union, a figure in stark contrast to the prevailing pessimism in Turkey, where only 26 percent thought that Turkish membership was likely. The EU delegation in Ankara should rethink its strategy to promote the EU in Turkey. Both pro-European Turks and the EU delegation need to work together on this.

The July 22 elections and their convincing outcome offer a unique opportunity for both Turkey and Europe. Turkey did its homework as it completed an orderly and fair election despite months of speculation about a military intervention. Turkey also managed to democratically elect a new president. The government has been formed and has obtained its vote of confidence. In order to capitalize on this historic opportunity, European leaders and elites need to come forward and reiterate the desirability of Turkey becoming part of the European Union. Equally, we, the Turks also need to move quickly with concrete steps to further open this country and make it a transparent and functioning democracy. The new constitutional reform initiative is a very healthy first step in fixing some of the problematic aspects of our current constitution. These monumental efforts need to be recognized and embraced as we may not have the stars aligned in such a fashion again for a long time. Turkey has kicked the ball; it is now time for Europe to kick the ball back. A first step in the right direction would be to draft the progress report in such a fashion which takes into consideration the timing issue. In other words, there must be realistic expectations concerning Article 301,as there may not be adequate time to pass such legislation before the drafting of the report.

Turkey’s drive to harmonize with the European Union will accelerate in the coming months and years. All of us carry the responsibility of making this journey as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Surely, there will be roadblocks, complications and difficulties along the way. That said, I am convinced that we can make this work. Millions of Europeans, be they of western or southeastern origin, are expecting us to make it happen.