The beginning of official relations between the European Union and Turkey dates back to 31 July 1959, when Turkey applied for association following the establishment of the European Economic Community.

A customs union involves trading goods between countries without any customs duties and tariffs, the application of a common external tariff on imports from third countries and the application of common trade policies.

Enlargement is one of the EU’s most powerful policy tools. It is a carefully managed process which helps the transformation of the countries involved, extending peace, stability, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe.

The association agreement that Turkey has with the EU serves as the basis for implementation of the accession process. Several institutions have been set up to ensure political dialogue and cooperation throughout the membership preparation process.

To help inform audiences in Turkey about what the European Union is and how the European Union and Turkey are working together, the EU Delegation has developed a comprehensive information network across the country.

In order to mark the day when the construction of the European Union was started in its initial form (9 May 1950), the Delegation of the European Union and EU Member States embassies are holding a series of events in a number of cities across Turkey from 24 April until 20 May.