Decision to start Turkey's full membership negotiations with the EU

Historical Significance and Background

On December 5, 2002, during the Copenhagen Summit, it was decided to start full membership negotiations between Turkey and the European Union. This decision is considered a significant milestone in Turkey's EU accession process.

At the time of the event, Turkey was going through a major transformation. In the early 2000s, Turkey had taken steps towards democratic reforms and achieved economic stability. EU membership was seen as a manifestation of Turkey's modernization and democratization efforts.

Prior to the event, Turkey had made intensive efforts to deepen its relations with the European Union and start negotiations for full membership. These efforts were a result of Turkey's relations with the EU, which began with the Ankara Agreement signed in 1963. Turkey, which applied for full membership in 1987, was accepted as a candidate country at the Helsinki Summit in 1999. During this process, Turkey carried out a series of reforms and worked towards harmonizing with the EU acquis.

Development of the Event

Acceptance to Negotiations

At the Copenhagen Summit on December 5, 2002, it was decided to start full membership negotiations with Turkey. This decision indicated the beginning of a new phase in Turkey's relations with the EU. The negotiations would officially begin if Turkey met the necessary criteria for full membership.

Start of Negotiations

Turkey officially started negotiations on October 3, 2005. This date was a significant turning point for Turkey's EU membership. The negotiations emphasized the need for Turkey to implement the EU acquis and continue the reform process.

Progress and Obstacles in Negotiations

The negotiations faced various difficulties over time. Some EU member states opposed Turkey's membership and hindered the progress of the negotiations. Additionally, various issues, especially the Cyprus issue, slowed down Turkey's progress in the negotiations.

Results and Effects

The decision to start full membership negotiations with the EU had both short-term and long-term consequences.

Short-Term Effects

Immediately after the decision, a sense of excitement and hope emerged in Turkey. EU membership was seen as an opportunity to accelerate Turkey's democratization and economic development process. At the same time, reform efforts towards harmonization with the EU accession process gained momentum.

Long-Term Consequences

The start of negotiations with the EU led to significant changes in Turkey's political, social, and economic structure. The reforms carried out for compliance with the EU acquis accelerated Turkey's democratization process and contributed to the improvement of human rights standards.

Historical Significance and Reflections Today

The decision to start full membership negotiations with the EU affected Turkey's position in the modern world and still holds significance today.

Effects on the Modern World

The decision to start negotiations strengthened Turkey's integration with the EU and deepened its relations with Europe. It also increased Turkey's regional leadership role and positioned Turkey as a strategic bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

Importance Today

Although the negotiations are still ongoing, Turkey's EU membership process has faced many challenges. Today, Turkey continues to maintain its relations with the EU while undergoing political and economic transformations internally. The goal of EU membership holds a significant place in Turkey's national policy agenda.

Lessons Learned

The decision to start negotiations with the EU contains many lessons for Turkey. This process has demonstrated the continuity and determination of Turkey's democratization and reform efforts. Additionally, dialogue and compromise play an important role in the progress of negotiations.