Historic Day for Turkey and Historic Day for Europe

After thirty hours of talks and 42 years of waiting, the moment has finally arrived. On 3rd October, Turkey and the European Union agreed a deal to launch membership talks with an aim to bring Turkey into the EU by 2020.

The likely effects of EU membership are various. The benefits for the EU could be more political than economic. Strategically Turkey controls some very important resources, and borders with eight countries, including Iran, Iraq and Syria in the east. Europe would see greater stability in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Black Sea areas, and of course in the relationship between Greece and Turkey – all of which would of course benefit Turkey as well – plus Europe would carry greater political weight as a diverse union with power on the borders of Asia.

For Turkey the benefits are more practical than theoretical. EU accession historically cements hard-won democracy in countries that have only recently made the transition. Additionally there are the economic benefits – stablisation of currency, foreign investment and an increase in foreign trade.

In theory, having agreed to these talks, the EU should allow Turkey to join as long as it meets the criteria that is laid out in the framework agreement. The journey is far from over, however. There are potentially 15 years and enormous political changes required before Turkey becomes a member of the EU.

To see this article in full and for more information about Turkey's accession to the EU, the obstacles in its way and the changes it has made so far, please follow this link: Full Article