The Ankara Agreement was a treaty signed between the European Economic Community (EEC) and Turkey in 1963. Its purpose was to establish a framework for economic cooperation and the gradual integration of Turkey into the EEC. However, the agreement had an end date set for 1986.
Now, years later, many people are wondering what the Ankara Agreement end date really means for Turkey`s relationship with the European Union (EU) and what it could mean for future trade agreements between the two entities.
Firstly, it`s important to understand what the Ankara Agreement entailed. The agreement allowed for the creation of a customs union between the EEC and Turkey, which aimed to reduce tariffs and increase trade between the two. It also included provisions for the free movement of workers between Turkey and EU member states.
However, the end date of the agreement meant that Turkey`s application for membership of the EEC was never formally accepted, and negotiations for full accession began only in 2005. This has been a contentious issue between Turkey and the EU, with Turkey feeling that it has been excluded from the benefits of EU membership.
Despite this, Turkey has continued to participate in the customs union with the EU, which has been beneficial to both parties. Many Turkish businesses have been able to access EU markets, and the EU has benefited from increased trade with Turkey.
However, the future of the relationship between the EU and Turkey remains unclear. In recent years, there has been growing tension between the two entities, with issues such as human rights violations and political relations causing strain.
Furthermore, the UK`s exit from the EU has raised questions about the future of the customs union between Turkey and the EU. The UK was the largest importer of Turkish goods within the EU, and its departure could have a significant impact on Turkish businesses.
In conclusion, the Ankara Agreement end date may have initially signaled a setback for Turkey`s aspirations to join the EU, but the customs union it established has been a valuable arrangement for both Turkey and the EU. However, tensions between the two entities and the UK`s departure from the EU raise questions about the future of this relationship and the impact it could have on Turkish businesses.