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A nationwide survey has found divided public opinion in Türkiye regarding European Union membership, with citizens expressing both optimism about economic benefits and concerns about cultural impacts.
The General Confederation of Turkish Youth Organizations (GENCKONFED) surveyed 1,155 participants across Türkiye to gauge public sentiment on EU accession, according to its chairman Bilal Okudan, in a statement to Anadolu Agency.
"Our research shows that a significant portion of our citizens agree that Türkiye's full EU membership would contribute," Okudan said, adding that the organization aimed to capture not just numbers but also public expectations, concerns and hopes.
The survey found 53.5% of respondents believe EU membership would benefit Türkiye's economy. Participants cited expectations that membership would increase foreign investment, expand economic opportunities, improve educational prospects and boost cultural tourism.
However, the results also revealed significant cultural concerns among the Turkish public. Some 41% of participants expressed the view that the EU process would negatively affect Turkish culture, while 47% indicated religious and cultural freedoms could be restricted or impacted.
Okudan noted that some respondents also expressed skepticism about Türkiye's prospects for EU admission altogether, though specific figures for this sentiment were not provided.
"We as youth organizations are responsible for developing a sensible, participatory and knowledge-based approach to this process," Okudan said. "By listening to society's voice and ensuring decision-making mechanisms hear this voice, developing a healthier mechanism when making decisions with this information is our most important duty."
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