Most Turks think it's impossible for Turkey to join EU

Ankara: According to a survey published on Wednesday in the Turkish press, about 64 per cent of Turks consider it will be impossible for their country to join the European Union (EU) as a full member, compared to 22 per cent who believe there is a possibility.

The survey, conducted by the Turkey-Europe Foundation for Scientific Research and Education, reveals a growing scepticism among the Turkish population towards the EU, Efe news agency reported.

A total 59 per cent of respondents attribute the impossibility of joining the EU to Islamophobia, while 28 per cent felt that the reason is the lack of democratic standards in Turkey, said the survey.

In this context, 56 per cent felt that the opposition from France is the biggest obstacle for their country.

While 23 per cent think that participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization could be a good alternative to the EU, 22 per cent demand an "independent policy", the survey said.

About 18 per cent favour the option to promote "cooperation with neighbouring countries" while the same percentage wants closer ties with Brazil, Russia, India and China.

However, 56 per cent of Turks estimate that Turkey needs the EU economically, while 44 per cent do not.