It has been more than fifty years since Turkey applied for European Economic Community (EEC) membership on 31 July 1959 and has been a candidate country since 1999. Nowadays, despite Turkey’s efforts to reform their system, is still not a member of the European Union. In order to become a Member of the European Union, Turkey have been reforming their economic and political system. The Accession of Turkey to the European Union will be challenging for both. However, if well managed, this can be a big opportunity for the EU and Turkey.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- EU-Turkey Relations: Historical Background
- Possible Impact of Turkey's Membership for the EU
- Common Foreign and Security Policy
- Economic Impact
- Is Turkey a Problematic Candidate?
- Economic Criteria
- Political Criteria
- European Identity and Turkey: Cultural Issues
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explain the significant impact of Turkey's accession to the European Union and the issues causing delays. It explores the historical relationship between Europe and Turkey, analyzes the potential benefits of Turkish membership for the EU (in foreign policy and economically), and examines the reasons why Turkey's candidacy differs from other candidate countries.
- Historical overview of EU-Turkey relations
- Potential impact of Turkey's membership on the EU's foreign and security policy
- Potential economic impact of Turkey's membership on the EU
- Analysis of challenges and obstacles to Turkey's accession
- Examination of cultural and political aspects influencing the accession process
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage by highlighting Turkey's long-standing application for EU membership, dating back to 1959. It emphasizes the ongoing challenges and the paper's objective to analyze the impact of Turkish accession on the EU and the factors contributing to the delays. The paper's structure, outlining its progression through historical context, potential benefits, and challenges, is clearly articulated. The introductory remarks aptly emphasize the significant implications and the necessity for preparatory measures before Turkey's potential entry into the EU.
EU-Turkey Relations: Historical Background: This chapter traces the evolution of EU-Turkey relations from Turkey's initial application for associate membership in 1959. It details the Ankara Agreement of 1963, which aimed to strengthen economic relations and potentially lead to full membership. The chapter highlights the setbacks and challenges encountered throughout the decades, including a military coup in 1980, and eventually reaching Turkey's official recognition as a candidate country in 1999 at the Helsinki Summit. The chapter emphasizes the complexities and inconsistencies in the process, showcasing the long and arduous path towards potential membership.
Possible Impact of Turkey's Membership for the EU: This chapter explores the potential benefits of Turkey's EU membership for the Union, focusing on foreign policy and economic aspects. The integration of Turkey into the EU is framed as a strategic move with implications for stability, security, and economic growth. The chapter argues that Turkey's accession would significantly strengthen the EU's influence in the international arena, particularly in the Middle East and Caucasus regions. It also touches upon Turkey's substantial economic potential and its role as a significant trading partner, further underscoring the far-reaching impacts of full membership.
Is Turkey a Problematic Candidate?: This section delves into the reasons why Turkey's candidacy has been significantly different from other candidate countries and the challenges it faces. The chapter analyzes the Copenhagen Criteria and other factors, including political and economic issues within Turkey, which have contributed to the delays in accession. It explains how these issues, combined with cultural differences, have prolonged the process, highlighting the complex interplay of political, economic, and social elements affecting Turkey's candidacy.
Keywords
Turkey, European Union, EU accession, EU-Turkey relations, Ankara Agreement, Copenhagen Criteria, economic impact, foreign policy, political criteria, cultural issues, historical background, candidate country, enlargement, geopolitical implications.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the significant impact of Turkey's potential accession to the European Union and the challenges delaying this process. It examines the historical relationship between Turkey and the EU, explores the potential benefits of Turkish membership (in foreign policy and economically), and investigates why Turkey's candidacy differs from other candidate countries.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical overview of EU-Turkey relations; the potential impact of Turkey's membership on the EU's foreign and security policy; the potential economic impact; an analysis of challenges and obstacles to Turkey's accession; and an examination of cultural and political aspects influencing the accession process.
What is covered in the "EU-Turkey Relations: Historical Background" chapter?
This chapter traces the evolution of EU-Turkey relations from Turkey's initial application for associate membership in 1959, detailing key events such as the Ankara Agreement of 1963 and the official recognition of Turkey as a candidate country in 1999. It highlights the complexities and inconsistencies throughout the process.
What are the potential impacts of Turkey's EU membership discussed in the paper?
The paper explores the potential benefits of Turkey's membership for the EU, focusing on foreign policy (strengthened influence in the Middle East and Caucasus) and economic aspects (substantial economic potential and a significant trading partner). The integration of Turkey is framed as a strategic move with implications for stability, security, and economic growth.
Why is Turkey considered a "problematic candidate"?
This section analyzes the reasons why Turkey's candidacy has been significantly different from other candidate countries. It examines political and economic issues within Turkey, along with cultural differences, which have contributed to delays in accession. The complex interplay of political, economic, and social elements affecting Turkey's candidacy is highlighted.
What are the key chapters in the paper?
The paper includes chapters on: Introduction, EU-Turkey Relations: Historical Background, Possible Impact of Turkey's Membership for the EU, Is Turkey a Problematic Candidate?, and European Identity and Turkey: Cultural Issues.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Turkey, European Union, EU accession, EU-Turkey relations, Ankara Agreement, Copenhagen Criteria, economic impact, foreign policy, political criteria, cultural issues, historical background, candidate country, enlargement, geopolitical implications.
What is the overall objective of this paper?
The paper aims to explain the significant impact of Turkey's accession to the European Union and the issues causing delays. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical context, potential benefits, and challenges associated with Turkey's candidacy.
What is the significance of the Ankara Agreement (1963)?
The Ankara Agreement aimed to strengthen economic relations between Turkey and the EU and potentially lead to full membership for Turkey. It's a pivotal point in the long history of EU-Turkey relations.
What are the Copenhagen Criteria and their relevance to Turkey's candidacy?
The Copenhagen Criteria are standards that aspiring EU members must meet. The paper likely analyzes how well Turkey meets these criteria and whether any shortcomings contribute to delays in its accession process.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jovanna Yiouselli (Autor:in), 2014, Why is the accession of Turkey so important for the European Union?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/282433
