Certainly agree that yes, it does seem silly, and somewhat outdated - not least the lack of awareness you mention.

I’d say that the scepticism from masmadrid wrt Turkey joining EU is fully justified. However (and regardless of whether they eventually gain membership or not), any notion that EU countries are by definition all characterised by a sense of efficiency and slick organisation ……. well a good number of current members spring to mind as notable exceptions, but I’d best stop there for fear of drifting way OT !