Thorny Relations with the EU under AK Party Rule: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Turkey-EU relations have historical significance in terms of politics, societal structures along with the longevity of Turkey's EU accession process. The relationship between them should not be seen as one in which the EU requires and Turkey fulfills accordingly. A multi-dimensional and reciprocal approach is necessary to evaluate the flow of relations rather than short-term or daily political ups and downs. This paper analyzes the relationship between Turkey and the EU under successive AK Party governments in chronological order, along with political and social reflections by focusing on the main turning points and considering the development of relations in the long-run of politics.