The Ankara Agreement: A Pathway to EU Membership for Turkey
The Ankara Agreement is an important agreement between the European Union (EU) and Turkey that was signed in 1963 to promote economic cooperation between the two entities. It is also known as the Association Agreement or the Ankara Association Agreement.
Under this agreement, Turkey was given the status of an associate member of the European Economic Community (EEC), which is now known as the EU. The main goal of the agreement was to establish a customs union between Turkey and the EEC to promote trade and investment, and to align certain aspects of Turkish law with that of the EEC.
The agreement was a significant step towards Turkey`s eventual accession to the EU. However, it was only in 1987, after long negotiations, that Turkey officially applied for EU membership. Since then, Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership, and the Ankara Agreement has played an important role in the negotiation process.
The Ankara Agreement has several key provisions that have helped to strengthen economic ties between Turkey and the EU. One of the most important provisions is the establishment of a customs union between Turkey and the EU, which was implemented in 1996. This has had a significant impact on Turkey`s economy, as it has allowed Turkish businesses to compete more effectively in European markets and has increased trade between Turkey and the EU.
Another important provision of the Ankara Agreement is the requirement for Turkey to align its laws and regulations with those of the EU. This has helped to promote economic reforms in Turkey and has brought the country closer to meeting the EU`s standards for membership.
Despite these positive developments, Turkey`s path to EU membership has been fraught with challenges. One of the main obstacles has been political tensions between Turkey and some EU member states, particularly regarding issues such as human rights, freedom of the press, and the treatment of minorities.
In recent years, the EU`s stance on Turkey`s membership has become more ambivalent. Some EU leaders have expressed doubts about Turkey`s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, while others have argued that Turkey still has too many obstacles to overcome before it can be considered for membership.
Despite these challenges, the Ankara Agreement remains an important document in Turkey`s relations with the EU. While the path to membership is still uncertain, the agreement has helped to promote economic cooperation and has provided a framework for future negotiations. As Turkey continues to work towards meeting the EU`s standards for membership, the Ankara Agreement will remain a crucial piece of the puzzle.
