A Federal Vision of Europe? - Or Just Xenophobia? An Analysis of the Motives Behind the French No to Turkish EU-accession

Abstract: This essay contains an analysis of the motives behind the French no to Turkish membership in the EU. By examining different analytical approaches to European integration and by establishing motives, the study seeks to explain why France is against the membership. Two categories of motives are explored, the first relating to domestic constraints, and the second dealing with structural ideational constraints. In analyzing French conceptions of the European project, European integration, and national and European identity, the conclusion of this study is that the French objection to Turkish EU-membership primarily has its background in historically founded perceptions of national and European collective identity. France sees the European Union as a lever for French interests and continuing power, at the same time as it is reluctant to accept transfers of sovereignty to European institutions. This essay also shows that Turkish membership in the EU conflicts with French views of a federal State as the final product of the European project, and against the French notion of itself as a leading voice in the EU.