European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey's Accession Negotiations. Updated October 8, 2009

摘要

October 2009 marks the fourth anniversary of the European Unions decision to proceed with formal negotiations with Turkey toward full membership in the Union. It will also mark the fourth time a formal report on Turkeys accession progress will be issued by the European Commission. The occasion will likely be marked by a mixed assessment of Turkey's accomplishments thus far in working through the various chapters of the accession process that have been opened, as well as continued skepticism on the part of many Europeans about whether Turkey should be embraced as a member of the European family. The principal issues center around what the EU believes has been a slowing of certain critical reforms within Turkey, a perceived ambivalence toward the EU by the current Turkish leadership, and Turkey's failure to live up to its agreement to extend the benefits of its customs union with the EU to Cyprus, including the continued reluctance by Turkey to open its sea and air ports to Cypriot shipping and commerce until a political settlement has been achieved on Cyprus. Further complicating the accession process is the ongoing debate within parts of Europe over the implications of the growing Muslim population in Europe and the impact Turkey's admission into the Union would have on Europe's future. For some in Europe, December 2009, when the EU Council must decide the next steps in the accession process, could mark a critical juncture for the future of Europe's relationship with Turkey. While unification talks have again resumed between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, a settlement by December remains elusive, and short of such a settlement, Turkey appears unlikely to open its ports to Cyprus. The EU Commission could issue its annual report on Turkey's accession progress as early as mid-October.