Session II: The economic impact of Turkey’s EU accession

Fears about jobs and growth are a key factor behind West European opposition to Turkish EU accession. Similarly, many Turks doubt that the customs union with the EU has been good for their country and some they are apprehensive about the impact that EU membership will have on their country. This session will explore the economic implications of Turkish EU accession for both the existing EU members and for Turkey by putting forward questions such as: In how far will the EU accession process shape economic policy making and reforms in Turkey? What are Turkey’s main economic challenges (dual economy, employment, shadow economy, education and innovation, etc)? How will Turkey sustain the reform momentum over a decade or more? Could there be a popular backlash against the accession objective if successive governments seek to sell painful reforms in the name of EU membership? How will Turkey’s accession affect the existing member-states? Are fears of an influx of cheap workers from Turkey justified? What does the EU need to do to prepare for a successful Turkish membership?

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