Why Middle Eastern Countries Are Not Allowed to Join the European Union
The Middle Eastern countries, despite their significant geopolitical and cultural importance, have not been able to join the European Union (EU). This exclusion is largely due to a combination of geographical, political, economic, historical, and security factors. Let's explore these in detail:
Geographical Criteria
The EU primarily comprises countries located geographically within Europe. As a result, the Middle Eastern countries, which are situated in Western Asia, do not meet this geographical criterion. Turkey, despite having a portion of its territory in Europe, is not considered for full EU membership due to its non-European location.
Political and Economic Standards (Copenhagen Criteria)
The EU has specific political and economic standards, known as the Copenhagen criteria, that candidate countries must meet to be considered for membership. These include stable democratic institutions, the rule of law, human rights, a functional market economy, and the ability to adopt and implement EU laws and regulations. Many Middle Eastern countries face significant challenges in these areas, making full EU membership unlikely.
Historical and Cultural Differences
The EU is built on a shared historical and cultural foundation among its member states. This shared heritage is a critical factor in the integration process. The significant differences in political systems, governance, and cultural contexts between EU countries and those in the Middle East can create substantial barriers to integration. For instance, the cultural and historical links of Cyprus to Europe, making it a part of the EU, contrast sharply with the Middle East's distinct cultural identity.
Security Concerns
The Middle East is a region characterized by significant geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The EU is cautious about admitting countries that might bring instability and security challenges to the union. The European Union's security concerns, coupled with the varying political landscapes in the region, make it a risky move to expand the EU to include Middle Eastern countries.
Existing Partnerships and Agreements
The EU has established partnerships and agreements with various Middle Eastern countries, focusing on trade, security, and cooperation rather than full membership. These relationships allow for collaboration and dialogue without the complexities and responsibilities of EU membership.
Expansion Priorities
The EU has prioritized the enlargement of its membership to Western Balkan countries and other European countries. This focus on European expansion has further limited the possibility of including non-European countries in the union.
In summary, the combination of geographical, political, economic, historical, and security considerations makes EU membership for Middle Eastern countries unlikely under the current circumstances. However, this does not mean that these countries cannot establish stronger ties and collaborate with the EU through various partnerships and agreements.
Some may argue that the Middle East and Western Asia could benefit from creating a union of their own, much like the European Union, but with a focus on their unique cultural, historical, and political contexts. The proposed 'West Asian Union' might include countries such as Turkey, Iran, Arab countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Such a union could foster regional cooperation, stability, and economic development.