ABSTRACT
The history of Europe-Turkish relations is long and complex. When Turkey sought European Economic Community (EEC) membership in the early 1960s, it was not to be had, even in the light of the security interests of the EEC member-states that are wrapped up in the long-term security and stability of Turkey. Against the backdrop of a completed agreement with Greece, a military coup in Turkey and an underdeveloped economy, an association agreement between the EEC and Turkey was completed in 1963, with the signing taking place in Ankara. However, over time Turkish leaders did come to believe that there was at least a financial and economic difference between their accord, and that of between Greece and the EEC. By 1987 Turkey had decided to broach the issue of full membership in the EC. The Agenda 2000 document is the context which frames the opinion of the EU Commission with respect to the Central and East European applications for full membership.
