CUMHURIYET- Columnist Erol Manisali comments on a European identity which has recently been emerging. A summary of his column is as follows:
During the World Cup, a German football player crossed himself after scoring a goal against the Saudi Arabian team. In my opinion, this was an event symbolizing the recent developments taking place in Europe in the wake of the post-Cold War period. Since 1990, European countries have been taking significant steps in an attempt to establish a kind of a ‘European United States’: Look at all these signs, such as the single European currency, the European Parliament, Constitution, army, common policy on foreign trade...etc.
The elections which were held after 1990 have gradually determined the characteristics of a new European identity:
The political parties which encourage xenophobia and a conservative agenda have moved to take the leading role. European countries are confined to the borders of the continent. The slogan of choice is, ‘Europe belongs to the Europeans.’
The new European identity which has recently been shaped especially in continental Europe is more nationalist, more Christian and more traditionalists as compared to the old identity.
For a German football player, it used to be quite strange for him to cross himself during a football match. However, nowadays, it has become a symbol of this new European identity for a self-styled ‘European’ who is competing against Arab players.
What about Turkish-European relations in this new socio-economic context? In 1989, Turkey’s application for full EU membership was rejected. The requirements for Turkish citizens to obtain visas to travel to European countries have become both harder and more stringent. European countries have increased their demands on Turkey over the course of time, covering certain sensitive issues such as Cyprus, the Aegean and relations with Armenia.
However, Europe has recently been grappling with the problem of illegal migration. Europeans are afraid of Asian or African masses flooding the territories of the continent. Prosperous Europe is afraid of being occupied by millions of underprivileged people. I wonder whether they are planning to construct another Great Wall to hold these masses back.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION