The Pivotal Relationship. German Doubts and the Turkish-EU Accession Process

Germany and Turkey have seen economic, cultural, and social ties grow ever closer throughout the 20th century. Given Germany’s position within the EU, and in particular on all issues related with EU enlargement, as well as its large Turkish diaspora (the largest in the world), it is the central actor when it comes to Turkey-EU relations. During the past two decades a clear pattern has also emerged in which Turkey-EU relations are stuck whenever Germany was opposed to accession, and have moved forward quickly whenever German governments were supportive. The current German position leaves Turkey-EU relations in limbo.

Paper produced within the framework of the project Turkey, Europe and the World. Publ. in IAI Research Paper 9.