The Future of EU-Turkey Relations

The EU and Turkey face mounting challenges both in relation to one another and internationally. DIIS researchers take part in the research project FEUTURE, which analyses the relationship between the EU and Turkey as it has developed since 1999, when the Turkish EU candidacy was accepted in Helsinki.

The EU has recently been confronted with a series of crises, e.g. in the economic and migration dimensions. These developments as well as the Brexit-question are likely to make differentiation a growing phenomenon. On the other hand, Turkey faces polarisation between different political forces, the state and civil society. The neighbourhood is unravelling to the east and south and a power shift is under way at global level. This questions the regional roles of Turkey and the EU.

Against this backdrop, FEUTURE’s research aims to: 

• map the dynamics of EU-Turkey relations as to underlying narratives and thematic drivers; 
• substantiate most likely future scenario(s) and assess its implications; 
• draw policy recommendations.