Meaning: The quote by Timothy Ash, a well-respected author and analyst, touches upon the complex and often contentious issue of European Union (EU) enlargement. In this quote, Ash highlights the challenges faced by the EU in defining clear and consistent criteria for admitting new member states, particularly those that are geographically further from the traditional boundaries of Europe.

The reference to Turkey in the quote is significant as Turkey's bid for EU membership has been a long and contentious process. Turkey, a country that straddles both Europe and Asia, has sought to join the EU for several decades. However, its large population, economic disparities, and political differences have made its accession a subject of heated debate within the EU. The difficulties in coming to a decision on Turkey's membership have raised questions about the EU's ability to handle future enlargement processes.

The quote also points out the challenge of establishing clear and consistent grounds for rejecting other potential candidates for EU membership that are even further from the traditional boundaries of Europe. This reflects the broader debate within the EU about where its geographical and political boundaries should lie. The idea that being in the general vicinity of Europe is a continuing requirement for accession reflects the tension between the EU's desire to maintain a sense of European identity and the pressure to expand its reach beyond the traditional notion of Europe.

The EU's enlargement process is guided by the Copenhagen criteria, which outline the requirements for EU membership, including stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic, and monetary union. However, these criteria do not explicitly address the issue of geographical proximity, leaving room for interpretation and debate.

One of the key challenges highlighted in the quote is the lack of a clear and consistent framework for evaluating potential candidate countries. The EU's approach to enlargement has been criticized for being ad hoc and influenced by political considerations rather than a transparent and objective assessment of each candidate's readiness for membership. This has led to inconsistencies in the treatment of different candidate countries and has raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the enlargement process.

The quote also alludes to the geopolitical dimensions of EU enlargement. The question of which countries should be allowed to join the EU is not only a matter of meeting certain criteria but also a reflection of the EU's strategic and geopolitical interests. The EU has been cautious about expanding its borders further east, particularly in the context of its relationship with Russia and the broader geopolitical dynamics in Eastern Europe.

In conclusion, Timothy Ash's quote sheds light on the complexities and challenges associated with EU enlargement. It highlights the difficulties in defining clear and consistent grounds for admitting new member states, particularly those that are geographically further from the traditional boundaries of Europe. The quote underscores the need for a more transparent and objective framework for evaluating potential candidate countries and the importance of considering the geopolitical implications of enlargement. As the EU continues to grapple with the issue of enlargement, it must address these challenges to ensure a fair and effective process for both current and prospective member states.