The aim of this essay is to explain the important implications of Turkey's accession to the EU and the resulting problems that lead to a delay in Turkey's accession to the EU. First, the essay provides a historical background to current EU-Turkey relations. On this basis, the process of Turkey's EU accession is then explained in more detail and the pros and cons arguments are discussed. This follows the examination of the meaning of Turkey's full EU membership and the possible implications in Europe. The focus is primarily on the common foreign and security policy, the possible economic effects, and the legal and institutional dimensions. The last part of the article analyzes why Turkey's candidature is so different from the other candidate countries and whether it is a problematic candidate. The decades-long delay in Turkey's EU accession is examined using the Copenhagen criteria set by the EU and cultural differences. The work concludes with a perspective view, forecasting future European-Turkish relations, whether Turkey will ever be a full member of the European Union. The essay ends with a constructive criticism in the conclusion. In addition, the present article intends to contribute to science and research by reviving the neglected European-Turkish relations currently and filling the gap in this field factually and professionally. In the present study, an interdisciplinary approach is preferred. The systematic interpretation method of law is combined with the method of empirical social research from political science to better analyze the complex context of the topic.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 What is the Historical Background of EU-Turkey Relations?
3 What Does Turkey Mean in International Context?
4 How Do the EU Accession Negotiations Generally Work?
5 How Have the EU-Turkey Relations Been Since 2016?
6 What is the Current Status of the Accession Negotiations Between the EU and Turkey?
7 How is the Further EU-Turkey Cooperation Currently?
8 What Does Turkey’s Full EU Membership Mean, Especially for the EU?
9 What Does Turkey's Full EU Membership Mean, Especially for Turkey?
10 Is Turkey a Problematic Candidate?
11 New Perspectives and Outlooks
12 Conclusion
13 Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic work explores the complex, long-standing EU accession process of Turkey, analyzing the legal, institutional, and political dimensions while balancing the perspectives of both European integration and the Turkish strategic context.
- The historical and legal foundations of EU-Turkey relations.
- The procedural mechanics and current status of accession negotiations.
- The geopolitical and economic opportunities and challenges for both the EU and Turkey.
- An evaluation of Turkey as an accession candidate, including human rights, democracy, and cultural factors.
- Future outlooks for European-Turkish cooperation.
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction
What happens if Turkey and Ukraine join the European Union? Is Turkey culturally compatible with the EU? In one fell swoop, the EU would expand its area by a third and its population by a quarter. It would be a mega-enlargement that would eclipse everything that has happened in European integration since the 1950s. Europe could become a global power factor and the playing cards would be reshuffled in the system of international relations – or perish as a result.
Two decisions were made around the NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023 that could fundamentally change the EU concept: First, Turkey's accession to the EU will be possible again after a long break. Second, the admission of Ukraine, which has been an official candidate for membership since last year, could progress faster than expected, despite all the conflicts with Russia. This is intended to compensate for the fact that Ukraine has no chance of joining NATO in the foreseeable future. However, the long-term consequences of these developments cannot be overestimated. As a result, the EU could have two large additional member states soon.
Turkey already has more inhabitants than the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and is still growing quite dynamically in terms of demographics. In terms of area, it is about twice the size of Germany. Ukraine, on the other hand, covers more square kilometers than France, the largest EU country in terms of area, but is sparsely populated. With the accession of both countries, the overall population of the EU would not only increase and rejuvenate significantly, but the EU would also gain more weight in the international system. Finally, the EU would no longer act as a mere soft power on the international stage, but as a co-determining global player.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the potential for a mega-enlargement of the EU regarding Turkey and Ukraine, setting the framework for the interdisciplinary analysis of Turkey's accession process.
2 What is the Historical Background of EU-Turkey Relations?: It examines the development of contractual relations, starting with the 1963 Ankara Agreement, the 1995 customs union, and the milestones toward candidacy.
3 What Does Turkey Mean in International Context?: This chapter analyzes Turkey's regional power status and its geopolitical importance, particularly in the shadow of the war in Ukraine and the recent domestic elections.
4 How Do the EU Accession Negotiations Generally Work?: It explains the legal basis, the Copenhagen criteria, and the structural process of opening and closing negotiation chapters.
5 How Have the EU-Turkey Relations Been Since 2016?: The focus is on the impact of the failed 2016 military coup on Turkey’s domestic stability and the ensuing cooling of diplomatic relations with the EU.
6 What is the Current Status of the Accession Negotiations Between the EU and Turkey?: This chapter outlines the stagnation of negotiations, citing serious democratic backsliding and conflicts concerning the Republic of Cyprus.
7 How is the Further EU-Turkey Cooperation Currently?: Discussion on post-2023 developments regarding optimism in relations, focusing on migration management and financial support following the earthquake disaster.
8 What Does Turkey’s Full EU Membership Mean, Especially for the EU?: An analysis of the geopolitical, economic, and security gains the EU could realize through Turkish membership.
9 What Does Turkey's Full EU Membership Mean, Especially for Turkey?: This chapter evaluates the potential benefits for Turkish citizens, including rights regarding freedom of movement, judicial improvements, and economic revitalization.
10 Is Turkey a Problematic Candidate?: A critical investigation into the obstacles to accession, including Turkey's size, economic performance, and sociocultural/religious differences.
11 New Perspectives and Outlooks: Explores the long-term necessity of European-Turkish cooperation, regardless of the status of formal accession.
12 Conclusion: Synthesizes the main arguments, emphasizing that while accession is a long-term, complex process, the partnership remains strategically indispensable.
13 Bibliography: Provides an extensive list of sources, academic articles, and official documents used throughout the research.
Keywords
European Union, Turkey, Accession Negotiations, Ankara Agreement, Geopolitics, Copenhagen Criteria, Customs Union, Foreign Policy, Migration, Democracy, Rule of Law, Regional Power, enlargement, Human Rights, Diplomatic relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study provides an interdisciplinary, academic analysis of Turkey’s EU accession process, weighing the historical, legal, and institutional arguments for and against membership.
Which specific areas of relations are examined?
The work covers legal foundations, geopolitical importance, economic relations, security cooperation, and human rights standards between Turkey and the EU.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to clarify the implications of Turkey's potential full membership and identify the root causes of the long-standing delays in the accession process.
How is the analysis conducted?
The book utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining the systematic interpretation method of law with empirical social research from political science.
What key aspects are discussed in the main chapters?
Chapters detail the historical background (Ankara Agreement), the impact of the 2016 coup, current negotiation obstacles like the Cyprus conflict, and the benefits of integration for both European and Turkish societies.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include: European Union, Turkey, Accession Negotiations, Geopolitics, Democracy, Rule of Law, and Migration.
How does the author view Turkey's role in the Middle East?
Turkey is portrayed as a crucial regional bridge and strategic power between the Occident and the Orient, playing a vital role in regional security and energy transport.
Does the author suggest a specific solution or outcome?
The author argues for a constructive, modernized relationship and emphasizes that the EU should strengthen economic and strategic ties while encouraging democratic reforms within Turkey to overcome the current deadlock.
- Quote paper
- Ibrahim Bekmezci (Author), 2023, Turkey's EU Accession. Implications, Challenges, and Prospects for the Future, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1402114
