"European customs and values" is a bit hard to define I feel. The eastern European states are quite different from the rest. Poland and Sweden are in stark contrast to one another, as is even Sweden and Germany.

I'd like to say that the EU is quite strongly in favour of democracies, which Turkey definitely isn't. I've a dear friend who basically didn't dare discuss politics because of the potential fallout that could have on his job and living situation. He's since moved away from Turkey and his life has improved dramatically.

It's difficult for me as a Swede to reconcile the fact that speaking out against the state could land me in hot water. Like I can call our PM a bag of dicks, and make poop-caricatures of any parliament member all day if I wanted to, and it wouldn't necessarily have any fallout beyond burning some bridges with people.

Turkey's also heavily religious conservative, and as a gay person that doesn't sit well with me. That extends to all currently-in-the-EU countries that match that description as well, though.

It's not even about customs or abstract values in general. Some of the past and present aspirants or aspirants in spe seem to see only the economic side of things, while considering the legally binding parts of the treaty like the European Convention on Human Rights or the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union more like an optional thing.

Quite the shock when Erdogan tried to blackmail his country into the EU. I hope Sweden will also not give in when it comes to burning religious books.

I would say there is a huge difference in culture and values when comparing to those people from Turkey who are very conservative or religious. We even have some here who voted in Germany for Erdogan!

But the difference isn’t that big with secular, non-conservative people. It is like Turkey has two sides.

European values are irrelevant for being a NATO member. But I believe being a democracy is a requirement, but USA is a somewhat flawed democracy too. But hen again no democracy is perfect.

It's like a 30 point check list and so far they've completed zero or maybe one. It's a long way.

Erdogan reinstated the death penalty at the coup, so basically he has moved away from EU membership since taking control.

I think it's a good thing that it is a long process, even if people moan about Ukraine not getting a shortcut. Imagine if Turkey had completed the membership before the coup. That would have been horrible today. Similarly it would be unwise to allow Ukraine in right now, since we have no idea of what will happen after the war. A dictator could potentially take the power there too. The requirements aren't just bureaucracy, they do serve a purpose.

Personally I hope that they both succeed eventually, but it has to be done properly. Both Ukraine and Turkey could contribute positively to EU if only they manage to get proper democratic governments and follow human rights etc. first.

Also LGBT rights

Wait it isn't?

I think the US delegation took him aside and said something along the lines of “alright chucklefuck, going forward, if you want parts and technical support for any of the massive amounts of extremely advanced military shit we’ve sold you for decades, you’re going to stop fucking around on the Sweden accession”.