(CPOD) Jun. 9, 2004 - Many Germans believe Turkey should join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 45 per cent of respondents support extending full membership to Turkey.

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.

Angela Merkel, the leader of Germany's opposition Christian-Democratic Union (CDU), caused a row in February when she suggested that the EU should consider granting Turkey only a "privileged partnership" as opposed to full membership. 34 per cent of respondents agree with her rationale.

The EU enforces strict limitations to trade barriers on transactions between member countries, with the intention of opening local markets to international competition. Germany is both Turkey's main export destination and origin of imports.

In May, Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sezer enacted a series of EU-friendly constitutional amendments, including one on gender equality.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose Turkey's accession to the European Union (EU), or do you support a "privileged partnership"?

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.