Changing Patterns in Turkey-EU Relations: From Eligibility to Candidacy and Beyond

Abstract

This paper analyzes the changing patterns in the evolution of Turkey-EU relations. Turkey's long march to Europe has demonstrated three different patterns. 'Enduring association without accession', 'the reinforcing dynamics towards full-membership' and 'enduring association with an indefinite accession'. The first pattern includes the period from the establishment of association relations to the Helsinki Summit. Turkey was confirmed to be eligible for membership in this period. The second pattern starts with the period in Helsinki Summit, in which Turkey gained a candidacy status. The third pattern, enduring association with an indefinite accession, seems to describe the situation started with the accession negotiations. The third pattern determines the road-map for Turkey on the way to the EU. This paper argues that the third pattern can lead Turkey-EU relations to a great ambiguity. After evaluating historically the validity of these patterns in Turkey-EU relations and their link with the internal dynamics of the European integration process, the manuscript investigates the implications and impacts of these patterns for future Turkey-EU relations. This paper gives a special attention to the discussion of a 'privileged partnership' between Turkey and the EU.