In the year 2015, there is a new perspective in taking a deeper look at Turkey-EU relations. In that respect, the European Commission for the first time published a call for proposal in relation to Turkey’s EU accession process under the Horizon 2020 Programme.

Since the beginning of the European integration process, Turkey has been an important economic and political partner for the EU and a key ally within NATO. Turkey is also a member of the G-20 group and currently holds its round presidency. Turkey's integration process with the EU began in 1963 with the Ankara Agreement. Turkey also established a Customs Union with the EU in 1995. Turkey was officially recognised as a candidate country in 1999 during the Helsinki Summit and the official accession negotiations started in 2005.

In relation to this call, research should first and foremost analyse the economic, social, political and geostrategic challenges and opportunities of deepening Turkey’s integration within the EU. It is of great importance that the historical, economic and cultural dimensions are tackled in these researches. Furthermore, different scenarios and their consequences should be analysed, as regards to the strategic interests of both parties. Moreover, it is of utmost importance to include also internal and external dimensions, thus to further analyse the impact of EU-Turkey integration upon neighbouring regions such as the Middle East and the Caucasus. Comparatively, research should also focus on the potential consequences of strengthening ties between Turkey and the EU and their impact in the neighbourhood.

Please find further information below.

EUROPE AS A GLOBAL ACTOR

INT/09/2015 The European Union, Turkey and its wider neighbourhood: challenges and opportunities 

Opening Date: 10/12/2014

Deadline Date: 28/05/2015 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

Total Call Budget: 2.5 million euros

For more information please click here .