Start of Turkey's full membership negotiations with the European Union

Historical Significance and Background

On December 13, 2002, during the Copenhagen Summit, it was decided to start Turkey's accession negotiations with the European Union (EU). This date marks an important turning point in Turkey-EU relations.

Turkey's goal of full membership in the EU began with its application to the European Economic Community in 1987. However, a long process was required for the start of full membership negotiations. Turkey's accession process to the EU has been influenced by various political, economic, and social factors.

Prior developments paved the way for Turkey to take significant steps in its integration process with the EU. The signing of the Customs Union Agreement in 1995 enabled Turkey to establish a closer relationship with the EU and brought it one step closer to its goal of full membership.

Development of the Event

Luxury Kibbutz

In 1996, Turkey officially initiated the membership process by applying for full membership to the EU. However, following the application, Turkey had to undergo a series of reforms concerning its political, economic, and democratic structure.

During this process, a series of reforms were carried out in Turkey. In particular, the economic and political reforms implemented during the economic crisis in 2001 became a significant step towards Turkey's EU membership.

Copenhagen Summit

During the Copenhagen Summit on December 13, 2002, EU leaders decided to start the full membership negotiations with Turkey. This decision meant that an official process for Turkey's EU membership had begun. The negotiations provided an opportunity for Turkey to align itself with the EU acquis and carry out necessary reforms.

With the start of negotiations, Turkey took various steps to accelerate its process of EU harmonization. Significant changes were made, especially in legal regulations such as the Penal Code, Civil Code, and Anti-Terrorism Law.

Results and Effects

The start of Turkey's full membership negotiations resulted in short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, the negotiations served as a driving force for Turkey to align itself with EU standards. During this process, Turkey implemented numerous reforms and complied with EU norms.

In the long term, Turkey's full membership in the EU led to political, economic, and social changes. The implementation of EU standards brought significant improvements in areas such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Turkey.

Furthermore, Turkey's EU membership enabled it to have a greater presence in the international arena. EU membership also provided Turkey with economic opportunities and trade advantages.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

The start of Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU facilitated Turkey's greater integration into the modern world. EU membership offered Turkey various economic, political, and social opportunities, making it a stronger player on the global stage.

Currently, Turkey-EU relations continue to exist. Negotiations are still ongoing, and Turkey is progressing towards EU membership. However, the process encounters occasional difficulties, and the goal of full membership has not yet been realized.

Turkey's EU membership process has been a process from which various lessons have been learned. This process has shown that Turkey needs to work more in areas such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Additionally, Turkey's EU membership process has also highlighted the need for reforms within the EU itself.