The impact of the security factor upon Turkey - EU relations

The aim of this thesis is to research the impact of the security factor upon Turkey-EU relations especially between the periods of 1991-2014. The concept of security in its most general sense means being away from threats, fears and dangers. With the disintegration of the USSR, there have been changes in the security-oriented policies of European Union. Because of prejudice that occurred after the September 11 attacks experienced, there was a negative attitude change towards Turkey in the United States and EU. This case had a direct impact on the EU - Turkey relations and it has led to the addressing religious and cultural concerns of Turkey's full membership again. Turkey's geographic location, dynamic and socio-demographic structure are also important factors in the reservations on full membership. Some steps need to be taken for full membership of the EU are met by different security concerns in Turkey. Concerns that a division may be experienced as a result of the arrangements for harmonization laws, that some traditional values will have to be removed, and that moving away from the conservative, nationalist and spiritualist line are experienced in some parts of Turkish society. Turkey faced with internal security problems either arising from Empire or Republic Regime period since its formation. As a result of the increasing conservative state policies since the 1980s, the radical reactionary organizations have increased their activities and have become a serious internal security problem, just like the seperatist terrorist organization PKK. Geopolitics and geo-energetics location of Turkey causes such a result that he can't think and solve its internal security threats independently from its external security threats. Irregular migration, organized crime, concerns based economy and environment, cybercrime and energy security are some postmodern issues between the EU and Turkey covering common security concerns. The EU's priority about energy field is to ensure continuous energy security. Geo-energetics location makes Turkey an important country in the energy field. With the advantage arising from its geo-energetics location, Turkey aims to turn its relations with the EU into a full membership. Political stability as well as the budget that will be allocated for the energy needs and income to be obtained will play an important role to provide Turkey's economy security. Turkey will guarantee its own energy security substantially by identifying targets compatible with the EU's policy under energy and under relations related Turkey is able to use its contribution made for Europe's sustainable energy to good account with the advantage of being a natural energy corridor.