This term paper deals with the question whether Turkey has a realistic chance in the current position of becoming a full member state. First, the current state of developments and the historical relationship between Turkey and the EU is supposed to be examined, followed by an analysis of the current state of negotiations referring to use of the Copenhagen criteria. Finally, the chances of Turkey's full membership on the basis of the various positions of European institutions and member countries are going to be estimated.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical development of the relations between the EU and Turkey and the current status
3. The current status of the Turkey-The Copenhagen criterias
3.1 Die Copenhagen criteria
3.2 Current Status of the political criteria
3.3 Current status of the economic criteria
3.4 Current Status on the Acquis- criteria
3.5.Capacity of the European Union
4. Chance of becoming a full member? - Current position of the EU and its institutions
4.1. EU Commission
4.2 The European Parliament
4.3 Current position of selected member states
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the ongoing and complex accession process of Turkey to the European Union. The primary research goal is to analyze the current state of developments and the historical relationship between Turkey and the EU, while evaluating the realistic chances of full membership based on the political and economic Copenhagen criteria and the positions held by various European institutions and member states.
- Historical context of EU-Turkey relations and the association agreements.
- Assessment of Turkey's progress regarding the Copenhagen criteria (political, economic, and acquis).
- Institutional perspectives on the accession process (EU Commission and Parliament).
- Impact of domestic politics and member state positions on the enlargement process.
- Evaluation of future prospects for Turkey's full membership.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
For decades Turkey has been trying to join the European Union and the country is considered to be the most complex state to integrate into the European confederation. On 3rd October 2005, following a recommendation from the European Commission from the year before, the accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU officially started. The beginning of the talks does not mean guaranteed and rapid accession, they are a year-long and arduous process. The result was purposely represented as open, both a full membership as well as a "privileged partnership" between the EU and the Turkey is possible, whereas Turkey made clear that it is only interested in a full membership.
The Enlargement of the European Union by ten countries in 2004 let Turkey´s chance fall significantly. Due to this massive extension in many EU countries, a debate developed that the EU is soon facing an Overexpansion and for the next time should take no further candidates. Strategic considerations, which are in Europe of not the great importance as in the U.S., have been eclipsed by debates and distribution of diverse national interests of the member states.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of Turkey's long-standing desire to join the EU and defines the research scope regarding current accession challenges.
2. Historical development of the relations between the EU and Turkey and the current status: Reviews the evolution of the relationship since the 1960s, including the association agreement and the impact of domestic and geopolitical events.
3. The current status of the Turkey-The Copenhagen criterias: Details the specific requirements for membership and evaluates Turkey's progress in fulfilling political, economic, and acquis criteria.
3.1 Die Copenhagen criteria: Defines the foundational principles mandated for potential EU member states.
3.2 Current Status of the political criteria: Analyzes the ongoing debates concerning human rights, military influence, and democratic standards in Turkey.
3.3 Current status of the economic criteria: Examines Turkey's economic stabilization, structural reforms, and the disparities between different regions of the country.
3.4 Current Status on the Acquis- criteria: Discusses Turkey’s alignment with EU laws and the adoption of the community acquis in various policy sectors.
3.5.Capacity of the European Union: Discusses the internal debate within the EU regarding its absorption capacity and the potential risks of overexpansion.
4. Chance of becoming a full member? - Current position of the EU and its institutions: Investigates the specific viewpoints and assessments provided by the European Commission, the Parliament, and various member states.
4.1. EU Commission: Examines the Commission's role in monitoring reforms and its assessment of the progress of negotiation chapters.
4.2 The European Parliament: Describes the Parliament's veto power and its critical stance on democratic reforms and freedom of the press.
4.3 Current position of selected member states: Analyzes the diverging attitudes among key EU member states, particularly the opposition from France and Germany.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and suggests that future progress depends heavily on political developments and reform efforts in Turkey.
Keywords
European Union, Turkey, Accession Negotiations, Copenhagen Criteria, Political Reforms, Economic Stabilization, Acquis Communautaire, EU Commission, European Parliament, Membership, Privileged Partnership, Geostrategy, Human Rights, Enlargement, Member States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the accession process of Turkey to the European Union, exploring the historical background and the current challenges faced by both parties in this long-term endeavor.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The core themes include the evolution of diplomatic relations, the fulfillment of political and economic Copenhagen criteria, and the varying political positions within EU institutions and member states.
What is the main research goal?
The goal is to determine the likelihood of Turkey achieving full EU membership by analyzing institutional reports and the current political climate surrounding the accession talks.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper uses an analytical, literature-based approach to examine historical development, institutional reports (e.g., Progress Reports), and official political statements.
What topics are discussed in the main part?
The main part covers the historical timeline since 1963, a detailed breakdown of the Copenhagen criteria, institutional perspectives from the Commission and Parliament, and the national interests of key member states.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include European Union, Turkey, Accession, Copenhagen Criteria, and Membership.
How does the Cyprus conflict influence the accession process?
The conflict serves as a major obstacle, leading to the freezing of several negotiation chapters and complicating the political relationship between Turkey and the EU member states.
What role does the military play in Turkey’s EU aspirations?
The influence of the military on Turkish domestic politics has been a persistent point of criticism from the EU, with reform efforts aimed at reducing this influence to meet democratic standards.
How do major member states like France and Germany perceive the accession?
Both nations are highlighted as major skeptics, often advocating for alternatives such as a "privileged partnership" rather than full integration into the European Union.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2012, Turkey EU Relations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/194878
