Welcome to the third part of our unique survey of all the main political parties standing in the European parliamentary elections in Poland on June 7.
We sent a questionnaire to each of the election committees asking them, in English, what their policy positions were on religion, immigration, enlargement, the single currency and more. We hope that the answers they have given will help those living in Poland who do not speak Polish make a choice on polling day. It may even help Poles make a choice, too!
We have not edited the answers in any way.
Today we ask the parties about their stance on the Turkey's membership in the EU – for a full list of the surveys we have published so far go here.
Should Turkey enter the EU? When?
1. Unia Polityki Realnej (Union of Real Politics)
Slogan: We Bear Freedom to Europe
EP fraction: Independence/ Democracy Group
From Union of Real Politics point of view is not a problem who and when will be entered. The problem is to have free market, free boards, and free peoples of these countries from bureaucracy, from bureaucrats.
2. Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish People's Party)
Slogan: Europe’s success. Success for Poland
EP fraction: The European People's Party and European Democrats
After the last enlargement, the EU has covered bigger part of European continent. For further broadening, it is necessary to define not only the political and economical criteria of accepting new nations, but also taking into account capabilities of continuation the enlargement process. Turkey can be accepted to the EU, when will satisfy required criteria and also, when the EU will be ready for its acceptance.
3. Samoobrona (Self-defence)
Slogan: Solidary Samoobrona in Europe
EP fraction: none
Turkey should enter the EU when it would fulfill all the conditions of membership.
4. Polska Partia Pracy (Polish Labour Party)
The committee did not send the questionnaire back.
5. Libertas (Libertas)
Slogan: Libertas means freedom
EP fraction: none
Turkey is not an European state. They live in another culture and civilization. If we will enter our borders for them, Turkey will be very strong in European Parliament what could be a danger for united Europe. History teaches us that mixing many cultures in one place never lead up to peace and cooperation between them.
6. Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej – Unia Pracy (Democratic Left Alliance – Labour Union)
Slogan: Put People First
EP fraction: Party of European Socialists
The EU has a natural potential to expand its borders and integrate new states, nations and economies on the basis of common ideas. So far the acceptance of new states in the EU has turned out to be beneficial for both parties. So it will be in the case of Turkey, which has been historically connected to Europe since the 14th century and has had a great impact on the continent. Turkey’s accession in the EU should be combined with peaceful regulation of relations with the Kurdish minority in Turkey.
7. Porozumienie dla Przyszłości - Centrolewica (Agreement for the Future - CenterLeft )
The committee did not send the questionnaire back.
8. Prawica Rrzeczpospolitej (The Right of the Republic)
Slogan: Europe of Normal Families
EP fraction: Union for Europe of the Nations
Europe should preserve its Christian identity. Therefore we are very reserved about the possible Turkey’s accession to the European Union.
9. Platforma Obywatelska (Civic Platform)
Slogan: Vote Poland
EP fraction: The European People's Party and European Democrats
Turkey should enter the EU as soon as it meets all of the necessary accession criteria.
10. Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc (Law and Justice)
Slogan: More for Poland
EP fraction: a new fraction together with British and Czech conservatives
The EU should focus on countries like Ukraine, Georgia, or the Balkan States when it comes to enlargement. Turkey is not the priority. It should become a member of the EU in the future, as soon as it is ready in the terms of democratic reforms and respecting human rights.