Turkish Parliamentarians’ perspectives on Turkey’s relations with the European Union

Article abstract:

This contribution addresses the lack of information on Turkish opinion regarding the European Union (EU) by interviewing a sample of deputies in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). The results indicate overwhelmingly favourable attitudes towards Turkey joining the EU as a full member and great hope that this will happen within 10-15 years. Furthermore, the deputies tend to emphasise the political problems that must be overcome before joining the EU as well as the political benefits to be gained by obtaining full membership, but they also point to economic problems that must be overcome and economic benefits that will result from full membership. On the other hand, findings indicate a lack of emphasis on a few key problems facing Turkish membership in the EU, particularly the Cyprus issue and the role of the military in the political system. Overall, despite a sometimes lukewarm attitude towards Turkey from EU leaders, Turkish political elites remain quite favourable and hopeful regarding Turkish membership of the EU.