After Ettore Greco's brief introduction of IAI's transatlantic work, Nathalie Tocci discussed the wide-ranging European perspectives on Turkey and its relations with the European Union.  Her presentation was based on research conducted for IAI's recent report, Conditionality, Impact and Prejudice in EU-Turkey Relations, which is a compilation of reports written by analysts from 10 member states. In the report, Tocci sought to bridge what she views as a disconnect between academic research and public debate by examining EU public opinion.  For the report Tocci called on analysts who have a strong understanding of the debate on Turkish accession within their respective national contexts.

Tocci outlined the three main themes of the report in her presentation: conditionality, impact, and prejudice. She contended that conditionality for member states is two sided; on the one hand meeting specified conditions is a purely objective process, applied equally to all potential member states, while on the other hand the accession process remains political and serves as a means for the EU to effect policy outside its borders.

In discussing the impact of Turkish EU accession, Tocci noted that there is not a universal EU perspective.  For example, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia see Turkey as an asset, focusing on how the EU would be better equipped to deal with global economic, energy, and foreign policy challenges, whereas some other member states fear changes to the EU's internal institutions and functions as a result of Turkish entry. Tocci also discussed the multifaceted arguments surrounding EU identity, including whether the EU be more multicultural with Turkey as a member, or does Turkey fall outside the realm of European identity, and immigration (accession could benefit UK-Turkey relations, but the EU would also gain new neighbors such as Syria, Iraq, and Iran.)

According to Tocci, immigration and identity concerns highlight prejudices in many current EU member states. She reminded the audience that "Turkey tends to be viewed as different, culturally, and religiously." Turkey has been called geographically and historically removed from Europe, but Tocci contended that such comments act as a proxy to hide serious prejudices held by the EU public. Tocci finds it similarly problematic when proponents of Turkish accession claim that Turkey could be a bridge to the Middle East and prove that "Islam and democracy can co-exist," as this view only furthers the notion that Turkey is an "other" and different from current EU member states.

Tocci concluded her presentation with a discussion of how to improve EU communications strategy.  She emphasized the need for a differentiated and dynamic strategy, aimed at addressing the myriad backgrounds and views towards Turkey within the EU.  By recognizing the interests of different stakeholders within different EU member states, the European Union will be better able to bridge the gap between research and public discourse.

Zeyno Baran's response expanded upon Tocci's conclusions by addressing the multiple Turkish perspectives on EU accession.  She noted that the relationship between Turkey and the EU is affected not only by EU prejudice towards Turkey, but also by Turkish views of the EU.  According to Baran, there is an overall lack of discourse in Turkey surrounding how EU membership will benefit the country.  Before proceeding further, Turkey must discuss such questions as whether it is willing to cede foreign policy decisions to Brussels. 

Following the presentation, the Tocci and Baran addressed a number of questions addressing a wide array of topics, including the Turkish public's patience for EU entry, the political situation in Cyprus and its relationship upon EU-Turkey relations, and the public support of Turkish entry in member states including Germany and Poland.