Admitting Turkey into the European Union
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.
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 trade market will only grow.
As a member of the European Union, Turkey’s economy will continue to grow. 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) When the EU admits 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, turkey and the Europeans will benefit. European countries will be able to receive services at low costs, and the Turkish economy will not be flooded with service workers. With the exportation of good and services, opposed to only goods, the Turkish GDP will grow, and enable the country to expand their agricultural and industrial programs.
European companies themselves have their own relations with turkey. FIAT, HSBC, Nokia, and many other companies have partners in...