With penal code, nation is set for EU entry talks

The European Union is likely to give Turkey the green light to start membership negotiations after the Turkish parliament approved a new penal code in an extraordinary meeting.

The reforms, which are the key to Turkey's EU accession, no longer include a clause criminalising adultery. The clause had sparked a row between Brussels and Ankara and threatened to delay Turkey's 41-year quest to join the union.

Following Sunday's approval of the code, the European Commission, which backs Turkey's bid, is now expected to speak in favour of talks when it issues a crucial report on October 6. Leaders of the EU's 25 members will make a final decision on Turkey's membership in a December meeting in Brussels.

But even if on paper Turkey meets the criteria for EU membership, Europeans themselves remain deeply unsettled, with a recent survey by the German Marshall Fund showing that 40 per cent of Europeans are unsure about letting Turkey into Europe. Opponents cite the country's human rights record and cultural differences, while supporters say accession will bridge the divide between Europe and the Muslim world.

Those against Turkey's bid also worry about the country's sheer size. If Turkey is allowed to join, it would overtake Germany as the union's largest country with a projected population of 85 million people. Under the EU's voting system, Turkey would then bear the most weight in EU decisions.

Adding this large and poor country to Europe's 25 could also be very expensive. Agricultural Commissioner Franz Fischler cautioned it could cost the EU Euro11.5 billion (HK$110 billion) in agricultural subsidies alone.

Mr Fischler's warning follows a recent run of criticism from Brussels. Internal Markets Commissioner Frits Bolkestein said this month that Europe ran the risk of being 'Islamified' and that the bloc could 'implode' if Turkey joined.

This reflects the concerns of many Europeans. As Europe struggles to absorb its growing Muslim population, many worry bringing in Turkey will make things worse.

'The real debate is about the place of the Muslim population in Europe,' said Metin Umit, head of a Paris-based organisation for Turks in France. 'If Muslims aren't accepted in Europe today, the time ... will never be right.'

European governments and their publics' opinions also appear to be at odds over bringing Turkey into the EU club. According to a recent poll, while French president Jacques Chirac welcomes Turkey, only 16 per cent of respondents in France favour the idea. In Germany the government said it hoped for a positive report on October 6, while the survey shows only 26 per cent of Germans favour Turkey's membership.