Which is the most powerful European power

I agree with 'vagabond' it does appear like we have gone off topic a little.

I still stand by what I said previously that UK, France and Russia are the most powerful countries in Europe due to the fact they are the only nations to possess Nuclear weapons.

Does anyone disagree?

It appears to me that this thread is coming dangerously close to requiring the attention of the Moderators and Admins.  We are, at this point - well off topic. 

Also -  Please watch you language and remember that not only are there young people who are members of the forum - but that many older people do not appreciate the use of profanity as well.  The use of inappropriate language reflects badly on the forum in general, and on all its members.

 that was a good one. DO you not also forget that there are about 7 times as many turks as greeks? ANd what does grad school have to do with anything? and wheres your proof of more Turk grads than greeks? how can you tell whos a Greek American? SUch nonsense is pointless to point. ANd Bullsh*tting won't help your cause.

You know, I just think that there's also a lot of Turkey-bashing.
Why do I see more Turkish grad students in the US more than Greek grad students? Makes me wonder...

I wasn't aware that the topic has changed into "is Turky good enough to join the EU"... but then again, I might not be paying enough attention...

Alright, I'll play along. There are three determining factors wether Turkey is or is not fit to join the EU.

- Social/human rights. Definitely NO. Turkey has one of the 3-4 worst records worldwide in upholding human rights. Also, the Turkish society - if you leave Istanbul and the coastline of Asia Minor - is extremely backwards, nothing that could submit to European standards anytime soon. And I am not even starting about the role the Armed Forces play in Turkey's political scene.

- Economy: Definitely NO. The average per capita gross income of Turkey is 1/12th of the EU EUROzone, Turkey is a very poor country, by European standards. It needs like 30+ years fiddling with their economy to come close even to the third euro-tier (Spain, Greece, Portugal) even though they could, with very strict economic policies, get close to the 4th tier (the 4th tier are the newly aquired nations) within 15 years or so.  The public sentiment in the richer EU countries (Germany, France) is downwards against admitting Turkey admission, since they are afraid that million more Turkish immigrants shall flood their countries. Xenophobic, if you ask me, but that's what happening. Despite the German government being all for accepting Turkey in, for the political reasons I'll talk about in the next sentence.

- Political: Definitely YES. Turkey is geopolitically the landbridge between Europe and the middle East, and also a constant threat to the "soft belly" of the Big Russian bear (in case Russia becomes a threat anytime sooner or later). It controls the "gateway" to the rich oilfields of the middle east (even though Turkey has no oil herself). And last but not least, Turkey is a relatively strong (due to large manpower and massive spending) military part of NATO in the area. So, geopolitically and geostrategically they are a very valuable ally to Europe. Also, USA pressures EU to accept Turkey, because the latter is a very good ally to USA. At the same time Germany might want to take Turkey by the European side, in case EU and USA shall have a confrontation in the future.

Draw your own conclusions.

Jagatai couldnt express himself well.he wanted to say what extreme populist approaches used againts Turkish accession by people like you...

The Turkish GDP will double within next 10  years...Besides,may i remind you that Turkiye is already a member of G-20...it ranks the 17. largest economy in the world....so illogical argumants will not make any sense...BBC responses to you instead of me

Turkey EU entry as big as 'D-Day'

Joschka Fischer said Turkey was "heavyweight" German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has said Turkish entry to the European Union would be as important for Europe as the D-Day invasion 60 years ago. Mr Fischer told the BBC that Europe needs to bring in Turkey and use its influence to make the country secular. Turkish membership was a key way to liberate Europe from the threat of insecurity from the Middle East and "terrorist ideas", the minister added. There is significant public opposition to Turkey's accession in Germany. But Mr Fischer indicated the state's entry would be strategic in the long-term. "To modernise an Islamic country based on the shared values of Europe would be almost a D-Day for Europe in the war against terror," he said. "It would be the greatest positive challenge for these totalitarian and terrorist ideas." 'Big question' The new European Commission has recommended that Turkey is now ready to begin full negotiations on joining the EU. At a summit in December, the EU leaders will use the report as the basis for deciding whether or not to open negotiations on the Turkish bid. "Turkey is heavyweight and will be the biggest country in the future," the minister told Radio 4's Today programme. Turkey - a bridge between East and West? "The big question will be is Europe ready to digest such a big member state?" Mr Fischer said that before the 11 September 2001 attacks he had been sceptical about the EU bordering Syria, Iraq and Iran. He suggested it was now strategically important. "Our security will be defined for at least five decades in this region... whether we like it or not." Germany has been more forthright in its views on the EU's relationship with Turkey than France, which is deeply divided on the issue and has promised a referendum. In the wide-ranging interview, the minister also said that his country supports efforts to re-build Iraq, but will not send troops to the country. Mr Fischer also described the UN as "indispensable", but urged reform. "It is weak and we must reform that," he said.

That was the spectacular,most -down-to-earth answer ever,Imperatore.

Egpyt, Mesopotamia(Iraq) and Persia(Iran) played a big role in Europe should they be able to join the EU. I think not. Just because they played a big role in Europe doesn't mean they can join. Turkey is not good enough to join the EU. Turkeywill let in to many muslims into Europe which could leed to a war between christianity and islam. all countries will most likey end up spliting ex bosnia.  In sweden their is alot of problems between swedish and turks.  if swedish have problems then who wouldn't. they are one of the most peaceful

Exactly what ive been saying. Turkey is impovertish and Europe does not want to support 70 million people. If it can not even feed its people, how can its economy become this GREat idea as you have been thinking? And theres the proof, I've said its poverty stricken and THANK YOU for supporting my thought.

E.U countries is afraid of "big eastern migration" which can come from the borders of Turkey.

If Turkey joins Europe will have to feed 70 million people.But they she can also have a great army with dynamic young population.

Also as you know Turkey is in dominatio�n of USA.Europe can broke this domination taking Europe on their side