IL FUTURO DELLA TURCHIA NELL'UNIONE EUROPEA: COSA TURCHIA FACENDO DI SBAGLIATO?

The Republic of Türkiye, formerly known as Turkey, is a 100-year-old republic strategically located as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Türkiye emerged as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, which had ruled the region for over 600 years. Atatürk led the country through the Independence War, establishing a secular republic through a series of political, legal, economic, social, and cultural reforms. Türkiye aspired to be part of the Westernized world and became a founding member of the European Council, the United Nations, and NATO. However, its path to European Union (EU) membership has faced challenges and debates about its geographical position. Despite occupying only 3% of European territory, this portion is home to a significant population and contributes a substantial share of tax revenue, making it a considerable economic force. Türkiye's relationship with the EU has encountered difficulties, leading to perceptions of unpredictability and unreliability. The refugee crisis, with Türkiye hosting a large number of refugees, has further impacted the relationship. Trade between Türkiye and the EU is significant, making them each other's largest trade partners. The Customs Union Deal established in 1995 facilitated trade but excluded services and public procurement. The longstanding Cyprus dispute, involving Türkiye's occupation of part of the island, adds to the tensions between Türkiye, Greece, and the EU. This research aims to explore the challenges Türkiye faces in its EU accession process, the refugee crisis, visa issues, relations with Greece and Cyprus, and the economic and social impact of EU membership. The study's scientific significance lies in understanding the difficulties of Türkiye's accession to the EU and its effects on the region. The qualitative methodology employed includes analyzing official reports, documents, and policies from the EU and Türkiye, comparing EU and Türkiye laws, and exploring different theoretical approaches for potential outcomes.