Turkey and Greece are breaking taboos

There is a reality we must remember, even though it sometimes forgotten by its own politicians: the European Union is actually a peace project. If Germany and France can achieve friendly terms today after their hundreds years of hostility, especially after the bloodshed of the World Wars and other innumerable wars, then the EU can pride in its role in European peace.

Last weekend, we witnessed a positive development that reminded us of the past and present situation of Germany and France. EU member Greece and EU candidate Turkey held a meaningful meeting in Athens. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, who has just paid a visit to Athens with his nine ministers, and Greece's Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who hosted them, gave positive messages at the press conference they held after the Turkey-Greece High Level Cooperation Council Meeting.

Two countries, which share complex issues such as the Cyprus problem and the Aegean Sea continental shelf as well as conflicts throughout history, are now determined to follow the same path that Germany and France successfully walked.

The two prime ministers underlined the importance of peace for their countries and agreed that cooperation was required for a stable future. Greece Prime Minister Samaras pointed out that although the countries have a difference opinions on some matters, Greece will continue to support Turkey's EU membership bid. "With my friend, the Turkish Prime Minister, we held a consultation. We are useful for our neighbor's membership in the EU," he said. Turkey's Prime Minister Davutoğlu said, "We are determined to walking this path by opening our minds, hearts and, most importantly, all the doors between the two countries by leaving the taboos and stereotypes aside." He declared to the world that they are determined to break the taboos.

As for the Cyprus issue, Davutoğlu spoke clearly. "We want to begin negotiations on the Cyprus issue as soon as possible. We have held positive negotiations. They will continue. We attach importance to providing a positive negotiation atmosphere between both sides in Cyprus."

Also the sentence in the joint declaration, "Turkey and Greece target improving the dual and regional cooperation on the matters of energy, especially oil pipelines and electricity interconnection wires," proves that both countries are preparing for long-term cooperation, creating mutual benefits in the most crucial spheres in the future.

The EU should keenly observe these developments. Turkey, whose membership is being hindered by certain circles, is now more integrated in the EU in many fields than many EU countries.

The mutual targets declared last weekend, which hope to carry Turkey-Greece relations further, are actually a golden opportunity for the EU. Greece, which is defined as a "problematic country" by the EU due to its economic crisis, may be able to overcome some of its problems if it can successfully cooperate with Turkey.

I would not be surprised if the friendly terms with Greece were also be achieved between Turkey and Armenia, considering Turkey's determination on the issue.

Aside from foreign policies, we also have some good news on our domestic issues. The reconciliation process is progressing well. And the Alevi issue, which is one of the most painful inheritances from the old Turkey, is now on the way to resolution. I think Brussels should not only watch Turkey and be content with the classic membership process support. They should play a more active role in breaking the taboos.

At the beginning of this week, three EU commissaries and parliament members will be in Turkey and I hope they can feel the excitement of the new Turkey. Hopefully our expectations of what can be achieved will be vastly transformed by the time they return to Brussels.

Meanwhile, I received a response letter from the European Parliament S&D Parliamentary Group chair Gianni Pittella to my article published on Nov. 25, 2014. I would like to inform you that I will give the issue a broad place in my column next week.