ABSTRACT
From the very beginnings ofthe creation ofthe European Union,l Turkey has shown a keen interest in the integration process in Europe and, indeed, has considered becoming a member of the EU to be a logical consequence of its modernization and Westernization policies. Consequently, it carne as no surprise when Turkeyapplied for associate membership in 1959 and went on to sign the Ankara Agreement with the EU in 1963, an agreement which not only recognized Turkey's eligibility to participate in European integration but explicitly envisaged Turkey's eventual fuH membership ofthe EU.
