political and historical reasons , Turkey had other important incentive to join the EEC . Having opposing interests with Greece in Cyprus and the Mediterranean region in general and being outside of an institution that would provide great economic development and advantages to Greece was not in Turkey ’ s interests .
In 1963 , Turkey signed the Ankara Agreement with the EEC . However , Turkey-Europe relations became strained after 1974 when Turkey occupied the north of Cyprus . The invasion was carried out in two phases – the first in July and the second in August 6 . The first invasion by which Turkey occupied 3 % of Cyprus was not condemned by some members of the international community and did not impact Turkey ’ s relations with Brussels as it was understood in the context of actions by a guarantor power . However , the second phase of invasion was universally condemned 7 . After the 1974 Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus , Turkey became a more tangible security threat for Greece , pushing the latter towards closer relations with the European Community ( EC ) 8 . On 12 June 1975 , Greece applied for full membership to the EC 9 and was included in the EU ’ s Mediterranean enlargement and joined the EC in 1981 10 .
In the beginning of the 1980s , the relations between Turkey and the EC became even more strained ; for the first time the “ just solution ” of the Cyprus conflict and “ the restitution of the Republic of Cyprus ' s sovereignty ” were presented as preconditions for improvement of the relations between the European Community and Turkey 11 . Meanwhile , Turgut Özal ’ s newly elected government started implementing economic reforms and gradually took steps to ease the tension between the EC and Turkey . Taking all positive developments into account , Turkey applied for full membership to the EC in 1987 .
In December of 1989 , Turkey received the Commission ’ s response to its application . The Commission ’ s opinion was focused on economic and political problems in Turkey which hindered Turkey ’ s accession to the EC . Besides underlining the economic backwardness of Turkey , the EC also touched the human
6 ibid ., p . 231
7
Lacher , H . & Kaymak , E ., Transforming Identities : Beyond the Politics of Non-Settlement in North Cyprus , Mediterranean Politics , 10 ( 2 ), ( 2005 ), 147 – 166 ; Türk Dış Politikası ։ Kurtuluş Savaşından Bugüne Olgular , ( Belgeler , Yorumlar ) [ Turkish Foreign Policy ։ Facts , Documents , Comments from the War of Independence to Today ] ( Vol . 1 )
8
Öniş , Greek-Turkish Relations and the European Union : A Critical Perspective , 31 – 45
9
The History of the European Union - 1975
10
Greece ’ s Course in the EU . ( 2020 ). Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs . https :// www . mfa . gr / en / foreign-policy / greece-in-the-eu / greeces-course-in-the-eu . html
11
European Parliament Working Documents 1982-1983 . ( 1982 ). http :// aei . pitt . edu / - 62731 / 1 / B2472 . pdf
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