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The Complex History of EU-Turkey Relations
The path of Turkey’s relations with the European Union (EU) has been one of careful negotiation, progressive steps, and, at times, great tension. Three distinct phases categorize these relations: pre-2000, 2005–2016, and 2016 onwards. Each of these periods has been marked by a series of political, economic, and social evolutions, and understanding these phases is critical to gauging the future of Turkey’s potential EU membership.
Before 2000, Turkey was seemingly on a steady course towards integration with Europe. It became an associate member of the European Economic Community in 1963, and was recognized as a candidate for full membership in 1999. Over these decades, Turkey had gradually begun aligning itself with the western bloc, reforming its domestic policies and pursuing economic agreements, such as the Customs Union agreement with the EU in 1995. The ascension of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Prime Minister’s office in 2003 ushered in a period of reformist policies and a push for greater EU integration.
However, the phase between 2005 to 2016 saw a shift. Formally initiated in 2005, the accession negotiations unveiled a multitude of challenges and highlighted the considerable roadblocks to Turkey’s full EU membership. Over nearly two decades, Turkey managed…
