1. Turkey at the Threshold: Europe's Decision and U.S. Interests
- Author:
- Frances G. Burwell, William Drozdiak, Richard R. Burt, Donald K. Bandler, Eric Melby, and Morton I. Abramowitz
- Publication Date:
- 08-2004
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- In December 2004, the European Union will decide whether to begin negotiations ultimately leading to Turkey's membership. This will be a crucial decision not only for the European Union and Turkey, but also for the United States and transatlantic relations. For strategic reasons, the United States has long been a strong advocate of Turkish accession to the EU, in the belief that membership is in the long-term interests of all the parties. But if the decision in December is to be positive, the EU must first determine that Turkey has met the “Copenhagen criteria,” and the EU must also reconcile its concerns about Turkey's impact on European social integration and governance. The United States can contribute to a positive decision by pursuing an active but differentiated approach.
- Topic:
- International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, Turkey, and Eastern Europe