The aim of this paper is to analyze the dynamics at the core of the relation between
Turkey and the European Union (EU), in terms of energy-related issues. The prospect of
Turkey’s accession to the EU is one of the most controversial issues affecting the wider
European political space. This essay would like to shed light on the impact of energy
considerations on Turkey’s process of accession exploring three inter-related dimensions.
First of all, a brief account of the EU’s patterns of energy consumption and strategies adopted
will be offered. Secondly, the relevance of Turkey as “energy corridor” linking Eastern
energy resources to Western markets will be assessed. Finally, EU member states’ standpoints
on Turkey’s accession will be investigated trying to isolate the impact of energy-driven
calculations. A liberal-intergovernmental approach will spell out patterns of divergence or
convergence on Turkey’s accession evaluating the impact of the energy factor on Turkey’s
EU eventual membership. In conclusion, this article will show whether or not energy can be
considered the determiner for Turkey’s accession, pointing out that the “energy card” should
not be overplayed since the EU’s acknowledgement of Turkey’s energy strategic could not
automatically lead to full-membership.
Table of Contents
Introduction
EU - Energy - Turkey Triangle
EU’s Energy Consumption and Strategies
Turkey as an Energy Corridor
EU’s relations with Turkey in terms of energy cooperation
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper explores the complex relationship between Turkey and the European Union, specifically focusing on how energy security concerns and Turkey's role as an energy transit corridor influence the ongoing EU accession process.
- Analysis of EU energy dependency on Russia and subsequent diversification strategies.
- Evaluation of Turkey’s geo-strategic role as an "energy corridor" between resource-rich regions and European markets.
- Assessment of the link between energy cooperation and the political feasibility of Turkey's full EU membership.
- Investigation of diverging stances among EU member states regarding Turkey’s accession.
- Critical examination of the "EU – energy – Turkey" triangle as a set of governing dynamics.
Excerpt from the Book
Turkey as an Energy Corridor
Ever since Turkey has played the role of bridge between East and West, having reference to both but being an original synthesis on herself. Nowadays, the secular and westernized attitude which characterizes Turkish domestic and international politics, responsible for Turkey’s application to EU membership in 1986, has led to a delicate and controversial impasse concerning Turkey’s process of accession into EU institutional framework. The importance given to the diversification of energy providers in order to decrease the dependence on Russia without undermining EU energy security, which actually means the capability to thoroughly match the energy demand, has led to a greater evaluation of Turkey’s importance in the EU energy’s supply (Rehn, 2009). Exploring the correlation between Turkey’s role as energy corridor and Turkey’s process of accession is the aim of the following sections.
The relevance of Turkey as energy corridor transporting Caspian Basin’s oil and gas towards European markets depends on her unique geo-strategic position. Lying in the middle of four geo-political spaces such as the Mediterranean, Middle East and Persian Gulf, Caucasus and Caspian and Black Sea, Turkey is the crossroad among incredibly energy-abundant countries and the over-dependent EU. According to the British Petroleum Statistical Review of World Energy, Russia and Middle East countries account for roughly 70% of the world proven oil reserves and more than 75% of world proven gas reserves.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the "EU – energy – Turkey" triangle, arguing that while Turkey’s strategic importance for energy security is clear, it does not guarantee accession to the EU.
EU - Energy - Turkey Triangle: This section details the analytical framework, focusing on EU energy dependence, Turkey's bridging role, and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the EU accession process.
EU’s Energy Consumption and Strategies: This chapter examines the EU's high reliance on Russian energy imports and the subsequent policy efforts to diversify supplies through new infrastructure and international cooperation.
Turkey as an Energy Corridor: This section evaluates Turkey's unique geo-strategic position and its potential to serve as a vital transit route for oil and gas from the Caspian region to Europe.
EU’s relations with Turkey in terms of energy cooperation: This chapter analyzes how the EU attempts to integrate Turkey into its energy grid and assesses the varying positions of member states regarding Turkey’s potential full membership.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, concluding that while energy is a key factor, it is insufficient to overcome the political stalemates hindering Turkey's full accession to the EU.
Keywords
Turkey, European Union, Energy Security, Accession Process, Energy Corridor, Russia, Diversification, Pipeline Projects, Geopolitics, Nabucco, Natural Gas, Foreign Policy, Strategic Partnership, Energy Dependence, European Neighbourhood Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines the relationship between Turkey and the European Union through the specific lens of energy-related dynamics and how these influence Turkey's accession negotiations.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The core themes include EU energy dependency, the strategic role of transit countries, energy diversification strategies, and the political motivations behind EU member states' views on Turkish membership.
What is the main objective or research question?
The research aims to determine whether energy considerations and Turkey's role as a vital energy corridor act as a catalyst for full EU membership or if this strategic value can be achieved through weaker forms of integration.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The author uses a liberal-intergovernmental approach to analyze the dynamics of the "EU – energy – Turkey" triangle and to assess the varying stances of different EU member states.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The text covers EU energy consumption patterns, the role of pipeline infrastructure, the "energy corridor" function of Turkey, and the specific diplomatic stances of key EU nations like Germany, France, and Poland.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Energy Security, Turkey's Accession, Energy Corridor, Diversification, EU-Russian relations, and Geostrategy.
How does the "Nabucco" project factor into the argument?
The Nabucco project is highlighted as a landmark attempt to provide the EU with direct access to non-Russian energy, underscoring Turkey's indispensable role in this strategic diversification.
What is the significance of the "EU – energy – Turkey" triangle?
The author defines this triangle as the set of interdependencies between the EU's energy needs, Turkey's transit potential, and the broader geopolitical consequences, which form the core of their bilateral relationship.
Does the author conclude that energy will lead to full membership?
No, the author concludes that while Turkey’s relevance in energy politics is acknowledged, there is no direct causality leading to full membership, which remains subject to other political and historical complexities.
How does the Russia-Turkey relationship affect the findings?
The paper argues that Turkey must balance its energy cooperation with both the EU and Russia, acknowledging that its current foreign policy seeks an equilibrium between Western orientation and national interests.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Arianna Catalano (Autor:in), 2010, The “EU – energy – Turkey” Triangle. Does Energy really matter in Turkey’s Accession Process?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/179858
