Abstract :
The article, in which the relations between Turkey and the EU are analysed from Turkey 2012 Progress Report perspective, examines progress made by Turkey towards meeting the Copenhagen political criteria, which require stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities. It also monitors compliance with international obligations, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations with enlargement countries and Member States. This report on progress made by Turkey in preparing for EU membership largely follows the same structure as in previous years. The report; briefly describes the relations between Turkey and the Union; analyses the situation in Turkey in terms of the political criteria for membership; analyses the situation in Turkey on the basis of the economic criteria for membership; reviews Turkey’s capacity to take on the obligations of membership, that is the acquis expressed in the Treaties, the secondary legislation and the policies of the Union.
