Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Enlargement and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals, Keading,Michael; Pollak,Johannes; Schmidt,Paul, Editör, Springer Nature, Basel, ss.169-173, 2024
Türkiye stands in a particular and even awkward position regarding
debate on the Future of Europe and especially the issue of enlargement.
The country has been waiting for membership longer than any other
applicant States, with negotiations currently on a de facto hold and any
prospects of accession in near future extremely slim. However, Türkiye
also remains an important partner and ally for Europe as well as being a
member of the Customs Union and holding a critically strategic position
regarding irregular migration based on the 2016 European Union
(EU)-Türkiye Statement. With the question of EU enlargement towards the
Western Balkans and Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, Türkiye’s positions
and actions are important for two interconnected reasons. Firstly,
Türkiye is very active in these regions and carries great historic,
cultural and economic weight. Thus, Türkiye’s position in these States’
membership aspirations carries certain value. Secondly, Türkiye must
calculate and elaborate on the effects of such an enlargement process vis-à-vis
its own membership bid, notwithstanding that the country’s role in the
region is seen by some EU Member States as being competitive. Hence,
countering Türkiye’s potential influence in this context is listed among
reasons for the EU to proceed with offering a membership perspective
for the Western Balkans States plus Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.
Enlargement must therefore factor in Türkiye’s position.