A Comprehensive Analysis of Türkiye's Accession to the European Union: An In-depth Analysis of Compliance, Challenges, and Implications

This study analyzes Türkiye's membership in the European Union (EU) from 1999 to 2010, emphasizing the influence of reforms and negotiations. The accession process reshaped Türkiye's political, economic, and social institutions while posing several problems. The report examines significant milestones in this process, Türkiye's reform initiatives, and the EU's enlargement policy. The thesis covers the period beginning with the 1999 Helsinki Summit when Türkiye was given candidate status and continuing until 2010. To offer background, it also looks at the pre-1999 period to better comprehend the events leading up to the accession process. During this period, Türkiye implemented changes to line with the Copenhagen Criteria, with attempts to democratize, protect human rights, and uphold the rule of law affecting EU ties. However, progress was uneven, and both sides encountered internal and external problems that complicated discussions. The study's analytical focus is on the regional and political dynamics that impacted Türkiye-EU ties. Long-standing issues, such as the Cyprus Issue and the Kurdish Question, posed substantial challenges. The Cyprus issue, in particular, presents a significant political hurdle to Türkiye's EU admission. Furthermore, enlargement weariness inside the EU and changes in Europe's political environment hampered discussions. The study examines Türkiye's attempts to fulfill EU standards and highlights important problems, drawing on European Commission progress reports, national plans, and Accession Partnership Documents. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of Türkiye’s EU accession process. The 1999-2010 period stands out as one where Türkiye’s relations with the EU gained momentum despite significant challenges. Reforms implemented during this time deeply influenced both domestic policies and Türkiye-EU relations. Finally, the study offers insights into the future of Türkiye-EU relations, shedding light on potential developments and strategies moving forward.