EU-Turkey accession talks started in 2005 after seven years of stalemate. Turkey opened thirteen out of thirty-five chapters, only one closed. Franco-German support shifted from favorable to unfavorable in mid-2000s. Cyprus conflict hampered accession process, freezing eight chapters. Support for EU membership dropped from 70% to 30-40% in recent years
EFTA consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Founded in 1960 as alternative to European Economic Community. Only Norway and Switzerland remain after 1995. Finland joined in 1961, Iceland in 1970
Turkey to US: Textiles 7-32%, steel 0-25%, agricultural 0-350%. US to Turkey: Vehicles 40-60%, electronics 3-12%, machinery 2-10%. Duty rates vary by product category and country of origin
Customs union established in 1995 based on 1963 Ankara Agreement. Initially seen as second best option before full EU membership. Modernization process started in 2015 after Syrian refugee crisis
Spain and Turkey share historical analogies as former empires. Relations began in 1782 with Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Commerce. Spain supports Turkey's EU accession and maintains positive relations. Spanish politicians have privileged position due to fewer public opinion issues
Turkey follows WTO principles and multilateral trade liberalization. Customs Union established with EU in 1996. Foreign trade volume increased from $67 billion in 1999 to $190 billion in 2005