Turkey EU Expansion
Turkey and European Union Expansion: Economic Potential vs. Religious Differences
The issue of whether or not to admit Turkey to the European Union has been a pressing issue for quite some time, even before the European Union existed in its current form. Ever since applying for admittance into the EEC in 1959, Turkey has been fighting to accede into Europe. The country has been an associated member of the European Community since 1964, following the signing of the Ankara Agreement in 1963. They have been trying to become full members since and officially applied for admittance on April 14, 1987. Because the EC was in the midst of forming a politically and economically tight European Union, the EU did not consider Turkey’s application until 1993. They were not a candidate country until 1999. The EU had outlined 35 chapters for the country to comply with before their admittance is decided on a vote. Though Turkey still has room to improve on several mandates as given by the EU, Turkish economic potential cannot be ignored. Europe and Turkey extensively trade between each other. Turkey and the EU already have free trade between each other. Turkey’s exports and imports are mostly with Europe. In 2007, 56.4% of Turkish exports were to the EU, and 40.8% of their imports were from the EU (Euro Comm). Once admitted as a full member of the European Union, the European common market will expand to include millions of new consumers as well as a large labor force. As a member of the European Union, Turkey’s economy will continue its trend of economic growth. As of now, Turkey is able to export and import goods to and from Europe, but does not export many services. As of 2006, 63.5% of Turkey’s GDP came from services rather than agriculture and industry (Euro Comm). Should the EU admit Turkey as a member, Turks will be able to freely cross the borders and provide service across Europe. With the influx of service workers into Europe, both Turkey and Europe, nations
The issue of whether or not to admit Turkey to the European Union has been a pressing issue for quite some time, even before the European Union existed in its current form. Ever since applying for admittance into the EEC in 1959, Turkey has been fighting to accede into Europe. The country has been an associated member of the European Community since 1964, following the signing of the Ankara Agreement in 1963. They have been trying to become full members since and officially applied for admittance on April 14, 1987. Because the EC was in the midst of forming a politically and economically tight European Union, the EU did not consider Turkey’s application until 1993. They were not a candidate country until 1999. The EU had outlined 35 chapters for the country to comply with before their admittance is decided on a vote. Though Turkey still has room to improve on several mandates as given by the EU, Turkish economic potential cannot be ignored. Europe and Turkey extensively trade between each other. Turkey and the EU already have free trade between each other. Turkey’s exports and imports are mostly with Europe. In 2007, 56.4% of Turkish exports were to the EU, and 40.8% of their imports were from the EU (Euro Comm). Once admitted as a full member of the European Union, the European common market will expand to include millions of new consumers as well as a large labor force. As a member of the European Union, Turkey’s economy will continue its trend of economic growth. As of now, Turkey is able to export and import goods to and from Europe, but does not export many services. As of 2006, 63.5% of Turkey’s GDP came from services rather than agriculture and industry (Euro Comm). Should the EU admit Turkey as a member, Turks will be able to freely cross the borders and provide service across Europe. With the influx of service workers into Europe, both Turkey and Europe, nations
Cited: Yukleyen, Ahmet. "Compatibility of "Islam" and "Europe": Turkey 's EU Accession.(Report)." Insight Turkey 11.1 (2009): 115-32. Academic OneFile. Web. 1 December 2013.