I believe the relationship can be saved from its current malaise and put onto a mutually satisfying track.The first issue that needs to be addressed is the problem of perceptions. Both the French public opinion and its political class are ignorant of Turkey, Turkish affairs and Turkey's role in the region. Many French media outlets portray Turkey through a distinctly Orientalist lens. Recent constitutional amendments that address the headscarf issue constitute a perfect example. During a recent trip to France, I met deputies from the French Parliament who thought we were allowing primary school students to wear the headscarf. Secondly, most Turkish francophones are of the Kemalist persuasion. They naturally narrate a specifically Kemalist interpretation of developments in Turkey. Thirdly, France is going through a very intense identity crisis, and Turkey becomes part and parcel of that identity debate vis-à-vis France and Europe. The French inability to adapt to competition in the global economy, its relative decline within the European Union and its problems in integrating its large Muslim population also have an impact on the "Turkey debate." The political class accentuates the "institutional issue" that basically denotes the French and German fears of Turkish dominance within the Union. That said, it should not be too far-fetched to contemplate a situation whereby one of these giants "could deliver Turkey to Europe." Another interesting point is that Turkey-bashing in France is pretty much cost-free. Hence, jumping on the bandwagon and opposing Turkish membership in France has benefits and no political cost whatsoever.
Two current issues threaten to worsen the relationship. The first issue is the preparation of a French paper on privileged partnership that is expected to be made public during the French presidency of the EU. Suffice it to say that this will be a futile distraction and will not lessen our determination to continue with the negotiations. It will only further aggravate negative perceptions toward the Élysée Palace. This is more ironic as many French diplomats privately support Turkey's membership in the EU but have to follow the official line. The second issue threatening the relationship is the continuing exclusion of French companies from Turkish state tenders. While the impact of this policy is increasingly being felt in Paris, we need a process whereby the two sides can engage with each other on this in a proactive and constructive manner.
Interestingly, France is currently grappling with the limits of laïcité. While Turkey is rambling over the constitutional amendments that would allow university students to enter universities with a headscarf, France is debating Sarkozy's trip to the Vatican and his controversial remarks that question the 1905 French law on the separation of church and state.
Truth be told, Turkey and France have a lot in common. Their political culture, their emphasis on secularism and their state structure have many similarities. Therefore, it is even more astounding that two countries so much alike can be so much at odds when it comes to the question of Turkish membership in the EU. The two countries' economies are also somewhat dependent to each other. Tens of thousands of jobs are dependent on the production of products or the market on the other side. Yet, fixing what has become a very uncomfortable relationship will require refined and responsible leadership on both sides. Not only do France and Turkey require such leadership, Mother Europe needs such a visionary approach as well.
