Decision to Start Full Membership Negotiations between Turkey and the European Union

Historical Significance and Background

On November 29, 2002, Turkey made the decision to start full membership negotiations with the European Union (EU). This decision was a significant turning point for Turkey-EU relations and symbolized the beginning of Turkey's accession process to the EU.

Prior to this event, Turkey's goal of full membership in the EU had been a long-standing subject of debate. Turkey had established a partnership with the EU through the Ankara Agreement in 1963 and had applied for full membership in 1987. However, meeting the political criteria necessary for the start of full membership negotiations was a lengthy process.

In the period leading up to this event, Turkey made various reforms to meet EU standards. The decision to grant candidate country status to Turkey at the Helsinki Summit in 1999 was considered a significant step towards full membership in the EU. During this process, Turkey also experienced various reforms and efforts towards democratization.

Development of the Event

Start of Negotiations

On November 29, 2002, the decision to start full membership negotiations with the EU was officially made at the Copenhagen Summit. This decision was a milestone for Turkey's EU membership. With the start of negotiations, Turkey had to implement various policy and economic reforms in line with the EU.

Key Events and Details

With the start of negotiations, Turkey had to meet various criteria for EU membership. These criteria included reforms in the political, economic, and legal areas. Turkey attempted to meet these criteria by making various regulations and legal changes during the negotiations with the EU. Additionally, Turkey was required to pursue policies compatible with the EU and adhere to EU standards.

Turkey faced many challenges during the negotiation process. Progress in negotiations required the approval of certain EU member states, and some countries opposed Turkey's membership. Furthermore, Turkey's internal political and economic problems also affected the progress of negotiations.

Results and Impacts

The decision to start full membership negotiations with the EU had various short-term effects. Turkey implemented a series of reforms and made various adjustments to comply with EU standards during the negotiation process. During this process, Turkey's political and economic structure also underwent changes.

In the long term, Turkey's full membership in the EU had significant effects in many areas. Turkey's EU membership led to profound changes in the political, economic, and social domains. Turkey implemented various reforms for EU membership and complied with EU standards.

Furthermore, Turkey's EU membership process led to social and political changes. EU membership contributed to democratization and progress in human rights in Turkey. Additionally, Turkey-EU relations deepened, and areas of cooperation expanded.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

The decision to start full membership negotiations with the EU holds historical significance. This decision was a crucial step in Turkey's relations with the EU and symbolized the beginning of Turkey's accession process to the EU.

Currently, Turkey-EU relations continue to exist. Turkey collaborates with the EU in various policy areas and adopts EU standards. While Turkey's EU membership is still a subject of debate, this process has contributed to Turkey's political, economic, and social transformation.

Turkey's EU membership process has influenced Turkey's position in the modern world. The EU membership process has demonstrated Turkey's efforts towards democratization and progress in human rights. Additionally, through cooperation with the EU, Turkey has been able to obtain opportunities for economic development and trade.

Among the lessons learned from this event, it is important for Turkey to continue its reform process and comply with EU standards. Additionally, ensuring political and economic stability is crucial for the progress of negotiations. Turkey's EU membership process has served as an example for other countries and has inspired reform processes.