Turkey’s EU Accession: 2015 is the earliest possible date
The fact that serious disagreements could occur during the negotiations also clouds Turkey’s membership hopes. For instance, some Christian Democrats claim that the negotiations would indicate, after a certain level, the impossibility of Turkey’s membership. Those Christian Democrats suggest that once such a point is reached, a "privileged partnership" would have to be extended to Turkey instead.
The recommendation report indicates that the negotiation process will be open ended. When all is said and done, there is always the possibility that Turkey might not accept the membership when offered. Norway, for example, refused membership right after the conclusion of negotiations in 1973.
Malta, which became a member on May 1, 2004, is another example. It hesitated for a while on European Union membership, and then unilaterally withdrew its membership application in 1996. Malta then resubmitted its application in 1998 and gained some privileges.
Others began in February and March
The exact date of when Turkey would begin membership negotiations, assuming an "unconditional yes" in December, is still up in the air. Turkey believes talks could start as early as March 2005, based upon the discussion process of the ten countries that became members on May 1st.
The EU began discussions with the Czech Republic, Estonia, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia on March 3, 1998. Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Slovakia started talks on February 15, 2000.
Turkey-EU Discussion Topics
1. Free Circulation of Goods
2. Free Circulation of Individuals
3. Freedom to Provide Services
4. Free circulation of Capital
5. Corporate Law
6. Competition
7. Agriculture
8. Fishing
9. Transportation Policy
10. Taxation
11. Economic and Financial Union
12. Statistics
13. Social Affairs
14. Energy
15. Industrial Policy
16. Small or Medium Size Enterprises (KOBI)
17. Science and Research
18. Education and Teaching
19. Telecommunications
20. Culture and Audio-Visual Policy
21. Regional Policies and Coordination
22. Environment
23. Consumer Protection and Health Insurance
24. Justice and Internal affairs
25. Customs Union
26. Foreign Affairs
27. Common Foreign and Security Policy
28. Financial Control
29. Financing and Budget Conditions
30. Institutions
31. Others