NEGOTIATION PROCESS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: DEVELOPMENT VECTORS AND CHALLENGES (1989 – PRESENT)

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the negotiation process between Turkey and the European Union from 1989 to the present. It focuses on key vectors of development, major challenges and factors that have influenced the dynamics and prospects of Turkey’s integration into the EU. It highlights the evolution of the European integration negotiation process and identifies key moments in contemporary challenges. The main stages, mechanisms, and strategies that have determined the development of relations between the parties are analysed. It is noted that the study of the vectors of development and challenges of the negotiation process between Turkey and the EU from 1989 to the present is relevant for identifying the main trends, problem areas, and potential ways to resolve them. The factors that contributed to the progress of negotiations, as well as the circumstances that hindered the integration process, are identified. The interdependence of Turkey and the EU, which manifests itself in strategic, economic and migration issues, is emphasised. The transformation of Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy in the context of its changing ambitions for EU membership is considered. The opinion is argued that in the period 1989–1999, the rapprochement between Turkey and the EU was complicated by political and economic risks, in particular fears about the influence of security forces and the Muslim factor in Ankara, unresolved issues of Turkey’s foreign policy and competition for membership with other countries. has been proven that at the current stage of development of relations between Turkey and the European Union, both changes in international geopolitics and internal transformations in Turkey have significantly influenced the negotiation process. Thus, during 1989–1999, there were political and economic risks that complicated the rapprochement between Turkey and the EU. However, in 1999, Turkey was granted candidate country status, which intensified political dialogue and promoted democratisation under the leadership of the pro-European Justice and Development Party. Turkey continued to show progress in the economy, the development of the political system and social progress. Currently, despite the fact that Turkey is a strategically important country and a long-term Euro-Atlantic ally, the EU is not seeking to change its policy towards it.