TURKEY NOW HAVE A TOUGHER MESSAGE FOR EUROPE

Among Turks, support for EU accession has fallen sharply, from three-quarters of the population five years ago to half or even less today.

There is a general feeling in Turkey now that whatever we do, Europe is not going to accept us. Look at Chancellor Merkel, look at Sarkozy of France. Every occasion they have, they say ‘we do not want Turkey in the EU'.

After number of years of frustrating efforts as an official candidate to join the European Union but still without a guarantee of membership in the end, Turkey now have a tougher message for Europe - play fair, because you need me as much as I need you.

Turkey is regarded as an essential route for the EU if they are to lessen their dependence on Russia for natural gas.