Special Process of Turkey's Accession to the European Union

Turkey’s formal application to join the European Union has begun the accession process for the country. In the meantime, Turkey has conducted numerous reforms in order to meet the EU’s demands for making its laws and policies compatible with those of the Union. However, the EU has evaded from offering a specific date for accepting this application so far. Although Turkey’s accession would be beneficial for the EU, the Union’s enlargement towards Turkey is pursued with ambivalence, which is largely affected by cultural, religious and other differences between Turkey and the rest of the EU particularly the Cyprus question. Despite there is strong willingness on part of Turkey to join the European Union, there is not a bright prospect on the horizon for its accession in the foreseeable future.