Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union since 1964 and formally applied for full membership in 1987. Membership negotiations were opened in 2005 and the screening process was completed in 2006. However, some argue against Turkey joining due to issues with democracy and discrimination against minorities in Turkey. Supporters believe Turkey's membership could bolster democracy and strengthen the EU's economy and military. The EU expects Turkey to fully adopt European values and laws regarding rule of law and human rights.

1. TURKEY & EUROPEAN UNION

2. General Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union and its predecessors since 1964 . The country formally applied for full membership on April 14 1987 , but 12 years passed before it was recognized as a candidate country at the Helsinki Summit in 1999 . The European Council announced that membership negotiations with Turkey were officially opened on October 3, 2005. The screening process which began on October 20, 2005 was completed on October 18, 2006.

3. Against Many opponents argue that Turkey's current and past governments do not respect key principles expected in a liberal democracy because of discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds , non-Sunni Muslim religious minorities, political dissidents and critics of the 'Kemalist' nationalism , and because of the significant role of the army on the Turkish political foreground. Its large population would also alter the balance of power in the representative European institutions. Some oppose the accession of a large Muslim country.

4. MEMBERS CANDIDATES

5. For Arguments in favour of Turkey joining include the belief that this would bolster democratic institutions in Turkey, strengthen the EU's economy with the addition of an OECD ( Organi z ation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and G-20 ( Group of 20 industrial nations) member to the bloc, and strengthen the EU's military with the addition of the second largest armed force of NATO . Proponents also argue that it abides by most conditions for accession. Some maintain that the EU can no longer refuse Turkey, as it has had an open candidacy for over 40 years , and has made major improvements in human rights in order to try to satisfy the entry conditions.

6. Expectations "Europe needs a stable, democratic and more prosperous Turkey which adopts our values , our rule of law, and our common policies. The accession perspective has already driven forward bold and significant reforms. If the rule of law and human rights are guaranteed throughout the country, Turkey can join the EU and thus become an even stronger bridge between civilizations as it is already today." Matt Rosenberg