TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP PROCESS AND CUSTOMS UNION

Abstract

The European Union is an important political and economic cooperation organization. Turkey has applied for membership in the period known as the EEC in 1959. After this date, the most important political and economic policy has always been on the agenda. The Ankara Agreement was signed with the EEC in 1963 and the membership process was officially launched. Turkey's full membership process is an important step in terms of the Customs Union adopted to accelerate the step was taken as a priority in the 1970 protocol. Customs Union between EU and Turkey was established a committee to determine the final procedures and principles. Customs Union the process has been completed in 1996. Customs Union covers only industrial products and processed agricultural products between Turkey and the EU. Traditional agricultural products are outside the scope. Upon completion of the Customs Union, Turkey has eliminated all customs duties on industrial products from the EU and measures to put an end to quantitative restrictions applied. This is important impact on the cooperation of Turkey's economy. This study has been conducted to evaluate this situation with its positive and negative aspects.