The European Union’s Accession Negotiations with Turkey from a Foreign Policy Perspective (in Special Issue: The Future of European Foreign Policy)

Abstract: The opening of accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU is a historic turning point for the European Union's foreign policy. This paper proposes that the EU needs to accept Turkey as a member — subject to Turkey's ability to meet all the accession criteria — for the realization of its foreign policy objectives. The opening of accession negotiations with Turkey is a foreign policy decision for the EU with the aim of bringing about a transformation in Turkey as well as guaranteeing stability in the EU's borders in the region where Turkey is located. The paper argues that Turkey's accession is critical for the credibility of the EU's foreign policy and its enlargement process. In addition, Turkey's accession would significantly add to the EU's hard and soft power capabilities, enhancing its role as an international actor.