An examination of the Barriers to Turkey's Membership in the European Union Based on the Identity and Normative Values of the EU

The European Union is considered to be an important and influential player in the international community, whose membership has turned into a dream for the Republic of Turkey. In the meantime, the distinct identity of the two players and the change in the criterias, from material (which Turkey has the upper hand in it) to normative value (which does not correspond to the will of the Union in Turkey), makes limitations to the process of the membership of this important economic and geopolitical country. Accordingly, the main question is: what impact has the EU's normative value and authority on Turkey's membership to the union? The interim response to the question is: the different identities and normative values of the European Union, such as human rights, free elections, defending the rights of minorities, democracy and democratic structures, peace and stability, etc., have caused Turkey's membership in the union to be prolonged and Turkey's admission will not be possible without achieving a single identity and normative value criteria with the same definition. Focusing on values and norms can create an irreplaceable position for the European Union to bold the appearance of a "good player" or "well- doing player" in the minds of the public. By accepting Turkey as its member, the European Union does not want to disturb to make a change in the mentality and directing itself into a variety of challenges, including the challenge of identity.