Turkey-EU Relations and the Customs Union: Expectations versus the Reality, Spring 2012

This article focuses on three interrelated issues of Turkey-EU relations. Initially, an overview of Turkey-EU relations and some reasons that have led to Turkish frustration and disappointment towards the EU are presented. The next section focuses on the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU, the changes it brought to Turkish legislation and regulatory institutions and their impact on Turkey’s economy. It is argued that, despite some important benefits to the Turkish economy, the CU has not met –thus far– the original expectations. This argument is followed by highlighting the EU’s “unfulfilled obligations” towards Turkey concerning the Customs Union. The Minister points out that the current visa requirements violate the agreements signed between Turkey and the EU, and constitute discrimination against Turkish citizens. Finally, the initiatives of the Ministry of Customs and Trade to increase the trade volume with other neighboring regions are noted.