Effects of accession process to The European Union on urbanization and environmental policies of Turkey

The unconscious consumption of natural resources and the destruction of the environment in the course of industrialization impaired the vital sustainability of living beings. Until the awareness of this process was awakened, many problems such as environmental pollution, distorted urbanization and the threat of resource extinction had occured. It has been recognized that these problems which reach a global dimension, can only be solved through efforts on a global scale. The EU setting aside its economic interests has changed its focus on sustainable environmental and urbanization policies. The EU should not be considered merely as a trade association. The EU as a cultural, economic and political entity requires member states to comply with its structure. The policies adopted by the Union must also be adopted by Member States and candidate states. Turkey as an EU candidate continues to work to ensure alignment with the acquis. Five-year development plans and annual progress reports are indicative of these efforts. Urban and environmental policies will continue to be implemented with the acquis. This thesis highlights the development of environmental and urbanization issues. In this process, efforts aligned with the acquis to reach accession-candidate status, including Turkey's, were noted. Furthermore, Turkey's current status of accession during the harmonization process to the Europan Union will also be depicted.