(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Many Turks back their country's current proposal to join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by GfK. 75.9 per cent of respondents support Turkey'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. Tomorrow, EU leaders will decide whether to initiate accession talks with Turkey.

Turkey's bid has provoked many statements from European politicians. 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.

Polling Data

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

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