Determination of the Start Date for Turkey's Full Membership Negotiations with the EU

Historical Significance and Background

On December 5, 2003, the starting date for Turkey's full membership negotiations with the European Union (EU) was determined. This is an important milestone in Turkey's accession process to the EU.

In 2003, Turkey had taken serious steps towards EU membership. However, this process is based on the Ankara Agreement signed in 1963. The Ankara Agreement enabled Turkey to establish a Customs Union with the European Economic Community. This agreement is a significant turning point in Turkey's European integration.

The start of Turkey's full membership negotiations with the EU is considered a milestone in Turkey's European integration process. This process provides an important opportunity for Turkey to align with European values and implement reforms.

Development of the Event

Commencement of Negotiations

On December 5, 2003, the starting date for Turkey's full membership negotiations with the EU was determined. This decision was taken at a summit of EU leaders held in Brussels. The decision meant the recognition of Turkey's reform efforts and progress.

Progress of Negotiations

After the start of negotiations, Turkey's relations with the EU developed rapidly. Turkey made efforts to comply with EU standards by implementing a series of reforms. In this context, significant steps were taken in areas such as strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights, and enhancing freedom of expression.

In 2005, Turkey identified 35 negotiation chapters that officially started negotiations. These chapters included justice, freedom and security, economy and financial cooperation, energy, and other subjects. Turkey attempted to meet the criteria necessary for the opening of these negotiation chapters.

Stalling of Negotiations

Unfortunately, the progress of negotiations slowed down over time and reached a standstill. Turkey was expected to implement the necessary reforms to make progress in the negotiations. However, due to the EU's concerns about Turkey and the resistance of some member states against the accession process, progress could not be achieved in the negotiations.

In particular, the Cyprus issue was one of the most important factors hindering the progress of negotiations. The disagreement over Cyprus's full membership and Turkey's recognition of Cyprus led to the halt of negotiations.

Consequences and Effects

The determination of the starting date for Turkey's full membership negotiations with the EU has various short-term and long-term consequences and effects.

Short-Term Effects

The start of negotiations provided Turkey with motivation to comply with EU standards. Turkey made efforts to accelerate reforms and the integration process with the EU. During this process, Turkey implemented reforms in many areas and made progress in the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression.

Long-Term Consequences

Turkey's EU membership process will have long-term consequences. This process will support Turkey's efforts for democratization and economic development. Turkey aims to achieve a better quality of life and a stronger democracy by embracing EU standards.

Social and Political Changes

Turkey's EU membership process has led to social and political changes. Awareness of democratization and human rights has increased in Turkey during this process. Moreover, the debates about Turkey's EU membership have provided an opportunity for different segments of society to express their opinions and contributed to increased democratic participation.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present Day

The determination of the starting date for Turkey's full membership negotiations with the EU has historical significance and remains important to this day.

Impacts on the Modern World

Turkey's EU membership process has impacts on the modern world. This process supports Turkey's efforts for democratization and economic development and helps Turkey become a society compatible with European values.

Importance in the Present Day

Turkey's EU membership process still holds importance in the present day. Turkey strives to strengthen its relations with the EU and advance the negotiations. This process provides an opportunity to assess Turkey's progress in the EU accession process and implement the necessary reforms.

Lessons Learned

Turkey's EU membership process is important in terms of lessons learned. This process has shown that Turkey needs to accelerate its reforms and comply with EU standards. Furthermore, it has been understood that political stability and political will are crucial for the progress of negotiations.