Turkey's Full Membership Negotiations with the EU

Historical Significance and Background

On December 1, 2004, the European Commission recommended the start of full membership negotiations with Turkey. This decision was considered a significant step in Turkey's accession process to the EU.

The issue of Turkey's EU membership had been under discussion for a long time before the event. Turkey had applied for full membership in 1959, but negotiations had not started. In 1987, Turkey established a Customs Union with the EU, which was a significant step in the integration process.

The developments prior to the event involve Turkey's efforts to meet various criteria for EU membership. Turkey has made progress in areas such as democratization, human rights, economic reforms, and the rule of law, and has tried to comply with EU standards.

Development of the Event

Start of Full Membership Negotiations

On December 1, 2004, the European Commission recommended the start of full membership negotiations with Turkey. This decision marked an important milestone for Turkey's EU membership. The start of negotiations is considered a significant stage in Turkey's accession process to the EU.

Progress and Challenges of the Negotiations

Turkey-EU negotiations face many challenges and obstacles. For the negotiations to progress, Turkey needs to undertake many reforms, and the EU needs to continue supporting Turkey. However, during the negotiations, some member states express their opposition to Turkey's full membership, leading to the suspension or slowing down of the negotiations.

Outcomes of the Negotiations

While progress has been made in many chapters of the Turkey-EU negotiations, they are still ongoing. The negotiations are expected to result in a decision regarding Turkey's EU membership. This decision will have significant consequences for both Turkey and the EU. Turkey's EU membership will bring about many changes in the economic, political, and social fields.

Consequences and Effects

The start and conclusion of Turkey's negotiations for full EU membership have both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects include Turkey undertaking further reforms to comply with EU standards and increased economic integration.

Long-term consequences will arise if Turkey becomes a member of the EU. Turkey will benefit from economic growth, increased investments, accelerated democratization, and improved human rights standards through EU membership.

Moreover, Turkey's EU membership will lead to societal and political changes. While accelerating Turkey's democratization process, EU membership will also contribute to strengthening political and cultural relations with EU member states.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

Turkey's negotiations for full EU membership hold historical significance and have many reflections to the present. This event is of great importance for Turkey to progress in line with European values and accelerate the democratization process.

Currently, Turkey-EU relations are still ongoing, and the issue of Turkey's EU membership is still being debated. Turkey continues to make the necessary reforms for EU membership and strives to strengthen its relations with the EU.

Among the lessons learned is the importance of Turkey undertaking the necessary reforms and complying with EU standards for membership. Additionally, the significance of relations with other member states and the importance of diplomatic skills in the EU membership process are evident.