A history of Turkey-The European Community: the road to customs union

Abstract

The international politics increases the importance of European Community membership for Turkey. The modernization process that was started with the foundation of the Turkish Republic can reach its target through full membership. The willingness of all the Turkish governments has showed that the way of Turkey is on the West. Turkey tries to increase its strength in world politics through EC membership. The possibility of Turkey’s full membership to EC is examined on the basis of whether Turkey shares the European ideals or not. The effects of the changes in the EC politics to Turkey’s application will also be examined. The EC was founded on the security base after the World War Two. EC changed its dynamics and democracy became the most important concept for the Community. EC demands improvements in Turkish democracy for both the customs union and the full membership. The political parties attitudes for the EC is also important in the full membership process. The lack of a consistent policy for the European Community seems to be the main obstacle for Turkey’s foil membership. A B S T R A C T As a conclusion, Turkey has some disadvantages and advantages for the foil membership. The weakness of the Turkish economy, the Cyprus issue and the high population growth rates seem to be the main obstacles. On the other hand, Turkey’s geo-political situation and its impact on Caucasus region with the will of Turkish governments are the advantages. The European Community and Turkey can overcome these problems and Turkey can be a foil member if there is political will to achieve the membership