Turkey, EU mark a new beginning

In Turkey?s long and unending journey to full membership in the European Union, its entrance to the Customs Union in 1996 has an important and strategic place. Turkey has been and is still the only candidate that signed the Customs Union deal with the EU, even much before it could begin full membership negotiations. 

Joining the Customs Union has long been debated in Turkey, as it divided economists and experts on whether it would be beneficial or not for the Turkish economy. Thanks to the Customs Union, the Turkish economy has boosted its competitiveness and became more open to the world; although this column?s intention is not to dive into the economic and technical repercussions on Turkish trade and overall economy.

The Customs Union?s political results are equally important, as many in Ankara and Brussels believe signing and implementing this deal has shown Turkey could be a good partner for the European continent to many in Europe. It was one of the most important agreements the two parties have signed since the Ankara Agreement of 1963 and was seen as a good starter for Turkey?s membership process. 

That?s why the newspapers at that time described it as a new era between Turkey and the EU in their headlines. Now, 20 years after the signing of the Customs Union, similar assessments are being made, as Turkey and the EU agreed to update the agreement in line with two sides? mutual demands in a way which would bring about fairer and more balanced implementation of the agreement. 

Cecilia Malström, the EU commissioner for trade, and Turkish Economy Minister Cevdet Y?lmaz have announced the two parties? will for the renewal of the deal, which is expected to be completed in no less than a year. Malström described it as a new term in...

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