Reshaping of the European security after the post-Cold War era and the role of Turkey

The European Economic Community (EEC) which was established by six Western European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg) in 1957, aiming to create a common market has successfully realised the European economic integration and deserved to be called an ?economic giant?. On the other hand the European Union not being able to develop the same success in the political realm had an opposite title as a ?political dwarf? in the political and security area.The European Union (EU) has undertaken the task of forming a common foreign and security policy due to the new security and defence parameters of the post-Cold War conditions in order to go beyond the economic integration.The first half of 1990s witnessed attempts to develop a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) within NATO. The European Union members were sensitive regarding the key role of NATO in European security and the direct involment of the United States (US) and Canada in the security of Europe. Therefore the ongoing processes continued and the joint declaration on European defence issued at the British-French summit in St.Malo on December 3-4, 1998 marked a new approach regarding the European security and defence policy (ESDP).Turkey, being a NATO member and an EU candidate country, has stated her willingness to take part in the ESDP and participating the decision making procedures related to it. The EU?s unwillingness to treat Turkey?s quest for membership positively started to change in 1990s as the EU began to define its security identity on the basis of deepening and widening processes.This attitude could be changed if the EU members would be co-exist with Turkey in such a way that both sides perceived each other as ?security providers? rather than ?security threats?. And this approach would open the path for a better and well established security in Europe with the accession of Turkey in the EU.Key Words:1.Euorepean Security and Defence Identity (ESDI)2.European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)3.European Union (EU)4.The European Economic Community (EEC)5.?Security Providers? & ?Security Threats?