TURKEY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Turkey's relationship with the EU has blown hot and cold over the past 35 years. Whilst the relationship has enjoyed long interludes of constructive dialogue and real progress, there have been sporadic disagreements and disengagements. That there has been a great increase in Turkey-EU trade and financial co-operation over this period is in no doubt. It is in the political sphere, however, that the re- lationship has become strained. Of course, Turkey has a long pro - European his- tory and enjoys excellent relations with many member states. Nevertheless, Turkey often feels excluded from the European family, sowing the seeds of doubt and scep- ticism in the minds of the Turkish public. Whilst Turkey has made vast political and economic progress since 1963, the EU has moved on too, maintaing a gap which be- comes no easier to bridge with the passage of time. .This short article attempts to summarise the progress made in Turkey - EU relations over the past 35 years and, in particular, to highlight some of the legal problems which remain before Turkey might be admitted to full membership. 

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