Revista de Știinţe Politice şi Relaţii Internaţionale (Mar 2021)
CONTROVERSELE UNEI ADERĂRI: DICURSURILE OFICIALILOR TURCI FAȚĂ DE INTEGRAREA EUROPEANĂ A TURCIEI. 2016-2019
Abstract
The EU is one of the most important transnational organisations. Its values, economic development and global influence have transformed its membership into an ideal for many countries. Since the formation of the first European Community in 1951, the EU has broadened its borders by integrating new members. Even though most countries that pursued the European accession came from the European continent, some outsiders (e.g. Turkey) pursued European membership also. Turkey is an appropriate example and its accession process dates back over 50 years. This article analyses the perspectives of Turkish officials regarding European integration between 2016-2019. Due to the failed coup in 2016, the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Turkey has strained. The article uses directed qualitative content analysis to describe the official position of Ankara regarding European integration after 2016. The findings emphasise that Turkish officials support European integration. However, due to the European officials’ statements about Turkey’s inability to meet the integration conditions, Turkish officials perhaps will reconsider Turkey’s future accession to the EU.
