April 14, 2011 - 18:21 AMT
Turkey submitted its application for EU membership 24 years ago

Relations between Turkey and the EU were established over 50 years ago.

Turkey’s application to accede to the European Union was made 24 years ago.

The process of Turkey’s accession to the EU, which started in 1959 with its joining the European Economic Community, was intensified due to measures taken by Turgut Ozal’s government. On April 14, 1987, Turkey applied to the EU for full membership.

Turkey’s chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis issued a written statement on the anniversary of Turkey’s application for the EU full membership. Bagis said Turkey has taken important actions in this process and continues advancing on its way, TRT-Russian reported.