Introduction: Methodological Considerations

T he relations between Turkey and the European Union and the future of Turkey’s EU vocation have attracted considerable public interest in both the EU countries and Turkey. The European identity of Turkey, the economic, social, and political consequences, as well as the practicality of Turkey’s potential membership in the European Union, have been discussed at length. Based on Turkey’s history and religion, some argued that Turkey is not a member of the “European family” for geographical and cultural reasons and, therefore, not eligible for EU membership. 1 Driven by Turkey’s relative large size and economic underdevelopment, it was also argued that Turkey’s membership would disrupt EU economic and population balances. Others stressed that the European Union is based on values and a culture of which Turkey is not a part. According to this opinion, EU-Turkey relations could at best reach the level of institutionalized close political and economic cooperation, a “privileged partnership.” Hence, Turkey could never become a full member of the European Union. On the other hand, it was also argued that tolerance and multiculturalism are the key properties of the emerging European identity and that Turkey’s EU candidacy comprised an excellent opportunity for the European Union to show its inclusive character. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.