Economic and social impacts of Turkey's accession to European Union. A survey of attitudes and expectations among young people about Turkey

Abstract

In this thesis, the possible effects of probable Turkish accession to the European Union are analyzed together with public opinion issues. Firstly, theoretical and political issues related to Turkey’s accession are examined under the headlines of: history of relations, arguments used for and against Turkey. Later, public opinion issue is analyzed through empirical research by concentrating on the young generation of Europe: university students and their opinions about Turkey. Since the public opinion will be the last judgment for Turkey’s accession to the EU after 15 years, it is crucial to know what future decision-makers are thinking about the full membership of Turkey. The survey conducted among 25 young people from 10 different European Union member countries reveals that young people in general do not have sufficient knowledge about Turkey. Even though they are in lack of knowledge about Turkey, they are fairly positive towards Turkey’s accession rather than being afraid of it. This fact is quite pleasing for the Turkish side, since these young people will be the future decision makers of their countries. However, Turkey should not be contented with these positive future indicators but continue to strengthen relations and convince those people more via informing them about Turkey through revealing the benefits and clear all concerns about accession.