Don’t Exaggerate the Problems! Why can’t Turkey and the European Union Divorce?
Abstract
This article explores
why the European Union and Turkey have preferred to maintain the accession
negotiations despite recent problems in their relations. It is argued that the
crucial political and economic interdependence between the partners prevents
them from ending stops them ending the accession negotiations. The European
Union’s dependence on Turkey stems from its policy of using Turkey as a barrier
between the problematic Middle East and the peaceful continent of Europe, the
key role of Turkish territories in the European Union’s energy diversification
policy, and the large Turkish market that attracts major companies from Germany
and France, the two driving forces for European Union integration. Turkey is dependent
on the European Union because it is the main source of Turkey’s modernization,
has a large share in Turkey’s foreign trade and foreign direct investments, and
benefits Turkey through the customs union. Terminating the accession
negotiations would put the gains of both parties at risk.
Keywords
Turkey,European Union,Interdependence,Accession Negotiations
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