EU-Turkey relations
Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005, and a revised Accession Partnership was adopted in 2008.
As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and the G20, Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. It is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with an influential role in supporting reforms in its region. The EU is therefore committed to political dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.
EU-Turkey political dialogue is carried on at all levels on issues of mutual concern. At ministerial level, dialogue is led for the EU by Baroness Ashton (High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy) and Stefan Füle (Commissioner for enlargement).
