Since its foundation in 1957 the discussion about further enlargements of the European Union has increased significantly. As more and more countries have joined the EU especially during recent years, the debate and the estimation for future enlargements have intensified. The current discussion about Turkey’s accession accompanies with a broad range of political,
economical and institutional criteria which determine the opportunity to become a member of the EU. The following elaboration will clarify the different opinions about a new enlargement, concerning Turkey’s preparedness to become a member state and was called by the module leaders of International Business Europe from Napier University Edinburgh.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. An overview of the EU enlargement
- 2.1 Historical overview
- 2.2 Copenhagen criteria
- 3. The benefits and drawbacks of EU enlargement
- 3.1 Existing member states
- 3.2 New member states
- 4. EU and its members' views on the possible accession of Turkey
- 4.1 The view of the European Commission
- 4.2 The view of the member countries
- 5. An estimation of the Turkish government's view
- 6. Conclusion and recommendation
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the debate surrounding Turkey's potential accession to the European Union. It aims to analyze the various perspectives on this issue, considering historical context, economic factors, and political implications. The paper explores the arguments for and against Turkey's membership, drawing upon the views of the EU, its member states, and the Turkish government itself.
- The history of EU enlargement and its processes.
- The Copenhagen criteria for EU membership and their application to Turkey.
- The economic and political benefits and drawbacks of Turkey's EU accession for both Turkey and the existing member states.
- The differing perspectives of the EU institutions, member states, and the Turkish government regarding Turkey's membership.
- An assessment of Turkey's preparedness to meet the requirements of EU membership.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the discussion on Turkey's potential accession to the European Union. It highlights the increasing frequency of debates surrounding EU enlargement since its inception in 1957, particularly focusing on the intensified debate concerning Turkey's membership. The introduction emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the criteria determining eligibility for EU membership, including political, economic, and institutional considerations, setting the context for the detailed examination of these aspects in subsequent chapters. The chapter frames the subsequent analysis within the scope of the International Business Europe module at Napier University Edinburgh.
2. An overview of the EU enlargement: This chapter provides a historical overview of the European Union's expansion, beginning with Robert Schuman's 1950 declaration emphasizing a gradual approach to European integration. The chapter traces the key stages of EU enlargement, starting with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 and the subsequent creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. It details significant enlargement phases, including the accession of Denmark, Ireland, and the UK in 1973; Greece in 1981; Portugal and Spain in 1986; Austria, Sweden, and Finland in 1995; and the substantial 2004 enlargement. The chapter concludes by outlining the most recent expansion with Bulgaria and Romania in 2007 and mentions current candidate countries like Croatia, FYROM, and Turkey.
3. The benefits and drawbacks of EU enlargement: This chapter delves into the advantages and disadvantages of EU enlargement, differentiating between the experiences of existing and new member states. It likely examines the economic impacts, such as increased trade and investment versus potential strain on resources; the political implications, such as enhanced influence and stability versus challenges to national sovereignty; and the social consequences, such as cultural exchange and integration versus concerns about immigration and social cohesion. The chapter likely analyzes the different perspectives and potential conflicts within the enlarged Union.
4. EU and its members' views on the possible accession of Turkey: This chapter focuses on the diverse opinions within the EU concerning Turkey's potential accession. It explores the official stance of the European Commission, examining its reports, recommendations, and policy positions regarding Turkish membership. It also details the varied perspectives of individual member states, likely highlighting differing national interests, historical relationships with Turkey, and concerns regarding economic, social, and political integration. The chapter explores the complexities of navigating the range of viewpoints within the EU to achieve a cohesive approach to Turkey’s application.
5. An estimation of the Turkish government's view: This chapter examines the Turkish government's perspective on EU membership. It explores Turkey's motivations for seeking accession, its strategic goals, and its commitment to fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria. It likely analyzes the domestic political landscape within Turkey and how this influences the government's stance on EU membership. The chapter may discuss potential challenges to the process from within Turkey itself.
Keywords
European Union, EU enlargement, Turkey, accession, Copenhagen criteria, political criteria, economic criteria, institutional criteria, benefits, drawbacks, member states, European Commission, Turkish government.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper examining the debate surrounding Turkey's potential accession to the European Union. It analyzes various perspectives, considering historical context, economic factors, and political implications. The document includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the history of EU enlargement and its processes; the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership and their application to Turkey; the economic and political benefits and drawbacks of Turkey's EU accession for both Turkey and existing member states; the differing perspectives of EU institutions, member states, and the Turkish government; and an assessment of Turkey's preparedness to meet EU membership requirements.
What is covered in Chapter 1: Introduction?
Chapter 1 sets the context for the discussion, highlighting the increasing frequency of debates surrounding EU enlargement and focusing on the debate about Turkey's membership. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of membership criteria and frames the analysis within the International Business Europe module at Napier University Edinburgh.
What does Chapter 2: An Overview of EU Enlargement discuss?
Chapter 2 provides a historical overview of EU expansion, tracing key stages from the ECSC and EEC to recent enlargements. It highlights significant accession events and mentions current candidate countries, including Croatia, FYROM, and Turkey.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of EU enlargement discussed in Chapter 3?
Chapter 3 analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of EU enlargement for both existing and new member states. It considers economic impacts (trade, investment, resource strain), political implications (influence, stability, sovereignty), and social consequences (cultural exchange, immigration, social cohesion). It also examines differing perspectives and potential conflicts within the enlarged Union.
What are the viewpoints of the EU and its members regarding Turkey's accession (Chapter 4)?
Chapter 4 examines the diverse opinions within the EU on Turkey's potential accession. It explores the European Commission's official stance and the varied perspectives of individual member states, highlighting national interests, historical relationships with Turkey, and concerns regarding integration.
What is the Turkish government's view on EU membership (Chapter 5)?
Chapter 5 analyzes the Turkish government's perspective, including its motivations for seeking accession, strategic goals, commitment to the Copenhagen criteria, and the influence of the domestic political landscape. It also addresses potential internal challenges to the process.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: European Union, EU enlargement, Turkey, accession, Copenhagen criteria, political criteria, economic criteria, institutional criteria, benefits, drawbacks, member states, European Commission, and Turkish government.
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This document serves as a preview, offering a structured and comprehensive overview of a research paper on Turkey's potential EU accession. It aims to provide a clear understanding of the paper's scope, objectives, and key arguments.
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- Quote paper
- Volker Küpper (Author), 2008, Should Turkey join the EU?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/127942
