Year 1964: Turkey is signing the first contract “Ankara Contract” aligned with its fundamental political goal since the establishment of the republic of securing a place in the Eastern Civilization by entering the European Union. Year 2009: Turkey is still struggling to enter the European Union, which is an extention of the European Economic Community.

These 40plus years did not forge ahead on one plane for either sides. Especially the military coup d’etats in Turkey, and the distain that remained from the Ottoman Empire against Europe poorly effected this duration.

The process accelerated after 1980’s and reached maximum velocity by the end of 1990’s. Even though there are many individuals in both sides greeting this duration positively, neither parties halt being cautious. Particularly Europe is not inclined to absorb a country with 70million population, and many European Union citizens still possess the fear of the Turkish army attacking their cities one day. For majority of Turks, an-other dimension of these worries exists. There is a mass majority who, without hesitation, oppose entry to European Union due to their suspicions that Europeans purpose is to divide and colonize Turkey.

However, despite these perceptions, this European Union duration created many opportunities for young people. In various places of Turkey, thanks to the European Union funds, young people were able to bring their ideas to live and contribute to themselves, other young people and the community that they lived in. Many university students have participated in a semester or a year long exchange programs offered by the universities and had the opportunity to broaden their horizon and learn new cultures.

At this point, one can understand the reason behind these continuing fears: Turkey and Europe not knowing and hesitating to getting to know each other. Young people who were not afraid of communicating and interacting with each other have already overcome these fears and behold the future in partnership.

An other contribution of the European Union entry duration for Turkey is undoubtedly the enhancements done on the democracy and the expansion of freedom of speech. It would be wrong to assume that these developments are caused by the economical deliberation of the European system. The real reason for these enrichments in democracy is the initiation of conversations on subjects that used be a taboo in Turkey with the commencement of the entry process to European Union.

The young people in Turkey play an important role in this entry process specially with their achievements accomplished within this new environment that encourages free thinking. Workshops and partnerships that are conducted in cooperation present hope for the joint future of Turkey and the European Union.

Certainly, it is not simple for a country of 70million inhabitants to integrate in this communion. However, one should not forget that this partnership does not only positively affect Turkey but also contributes to the European Union. The entrance of Turkey to the European Union will prevent Turkey’s neighbor the Middle East to perceive European Union as a Christian community, reinforce their relationships and fortify European Union’s position in the world.