(Angus Reid - CPOD) Dec. 15, 2004 - Many adults in France and Germany reject Turkey's aspiration to join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Figaro. 55 per cent of respondents in Germany—and 67 per cent of respondents in France—oppose the country's accession into the continental alliance.

Turkey has been seeking inclusion for more than forty years, and filed a formal application to that effect in 1987. Since then, it has taken steps required only of members—including the establishment of a customs union—but was not accepted as a candidate state until 1999. In May, Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sezer enacted a series of EU-friendly constitutional amendments, including one on gender equality. On Dec. 17, EU leaders will decide whether to initiate accession talks with Turkey.

In February, Angela Merkel—leader of Germany's opposition Christian-Democratic Union (CDU)—caused a row when she suggested that the EU should consider granting Turkey only a "privileged partnership" as opposed to full membership. French president Jacques Chirac supports Turkey's bid, but the ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) remains opposed.

Backing for Turkey's EU entry is slightly higher in Britain and Italy, but only in Spain do more than half of all respondents support the country's accession.

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose Turkey's accession into the European Union (EU)?

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