Turkey's Membership to the Council of Europe

Historical Importance and Background

Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe is an important event that took place in 1960. The Council of Europe is an organization established in 1949 with the aim of promoting cooperation among European countries. Turkey, with this step symbolizing the beginning of the integration process with Europe, has progressed towards establishing closer relations with Europe both politically and economically.

By 1960, Turkey's application for membership to the Council of Europe required a process. Turkey's application required the approval of the member countries of the Council of Europe. During this process, Turkey was expected to comply with European standards and take steps towards democratization.

The developments prior to the event are factors that shape Turkey's relations with Europe. In the 1950s, Turkey initiated the process of democratization by transitioning to a multi-party system. During the same period, trade and investment relations with European countries also increased in line with Turkey's economic development goals.

Development of the Event

Turkey's Application

In 1959, Turkey applied for membership to the Council of Europe. With this application, the aim was to further strengthen Turkey's relations with Europe and raise its democratic standards. Turkey initiated the membership process by conducting negotiations with member countries of the Council of Europe.

Membership Process

Turkey's membership process to the Council of Europe continued with intense negotiations and reforms. Turkey made efforts to fulfill criteria such as taking steps towards democratization, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. During this process, a series of legal and institutional reforms were carried out for Turkey to comply with European standards.

Full Membership

In 1960, Turkey was accepted as a full member of the Council of Europe. This event is an important step in Turkey's integration process with Europe. Turkey's full membership provides an opportunity to establish closer relations with Europe both economically and politically, and to share common values.

Consequences and Impacts

Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe has short and long-term effects. In the short term, Turkey's economic and political relations with Europe have strengthened. Thanks to membership to the Council of Europe, Turkey has adopted European standards and started implementing these standards. Additionally, Turkey's democratization process has accelerated, and more importance has been given to human rights.

In the long term, Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe has ensured deeper integration with Europe. Membership to the Council of Europe has provided Turkey with the opportunity to establish closer relations with European countries and participate more in Europe's political and economic structures. Furthermore, membership to the Council of Europe has helped Turkey gain more recognition and increase its influence in the international arena.

Historical Importance and Reflections to the Present

Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe is an event of historical importance and has many reflections to the present. Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe has strengthened Turkey's relations with Europe and emphasized that Turkey is a part of Europe.

Today, Turkey continues its activities as a member of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe guides Turkey in raising democratic standards and respecting human rights. Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe supports Turkey's democratization process and encourages reforms.

Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe is a turning point that shapes Turkey's relations and integration process with Europe. This event has played an important role in strengthening Turkey's relations and ties with Europe.

Among the lessons learned is the importance of the reforms carried out by Turkey to comply with European standards. Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe has accelerated Turkey's democratization process and enabled progress in the field of human rights. These lessons also provide guidance in Turkey's relations with other international organizations.