Turkey's struggle for EU accession : the key political obstacles to membership

Abstract

This study analysed the key political obstacles holding Turkey back from gaining EU membership. This was accomplished through qualitative methods of data and analysis, namely case studies. These were chosen to find a focused picture of two key obstacles to membership. There are issues which effect Turkey directly and those which have an indirect effect on membership. The chosen case studies represent one of each. The Cyprus issue is seen to have direct effects while the isolation of minority groups tends to have an indirect effect. There are more issues which remain a problem and make Turkish membership increasingly less likely. The main reason question intends to find out the key obstacles Turkey is facing in its journey to join the European Union. Through the conducted research, two dominant issues were found and so particular attention was given to them. The format of answering the research question divided into case studies. Both case studies are composed the same: identifying the issue and how it became to be an issue, along with the steps taken to find a solution to the problem (from the perspective of the EU and Turkey). This thesis also criticises both ends of the spectrum: the EU and Turkey. The shortcomings from both parties were taken into consideration. The findings of this study conclude that Turkey is unlikely to join the EU prior to finding a settlement on the Cyprus issue. In this case, the situation is more complicated since there are more than two parties who are involved in settlement talks. Isolation of minority groups could lead to the veto of other Member States. There are other issues such as religion, geography and constitutional change which also pose at obstacles for Turkey. There has been a change of power lately as Turkey has gained more influence through the Refugee Deal. This is an on-going issue, things remain unclear. Nonetheless, the EU has restated the need for a solution for the Cyprus issue even at this stage.