The Ankara Agreement, also known as the Association Agreement between Turkey and the European Union, was signed in 1963 and aimed to strengthen economic and political cooperation between the two parties. The agreement opened up trade and investment opportunities between Turkey and the European Economic Community (EEC), which later became the EU.
One of the main provisions of the Ankara Agreement was to allow Turkish nationals to work and live in EEC countries under the principle of free movement of workers. This meant that Turkish citizens could come to European countries to look for employment without needing a work permit. Similarly, EEC citizens could work and reside in Turkey on the same basis.
In 1970, Germany signed a supplementary protocol to the Ankara Agreement, which extended the free movement of Turkish workers to Germany. This was in response to Germany`s growing demand for foreign workers due to its economic boom at the time. The protocol allowed Turkish workers to apply for a guest worker visa, known as a “Gastarbeiter” visa, which allowed them to work in Germany for a limited period.
The Gastarbeiter policy was initially well-received by the German government and the public, as it helped to fill labor shortages and boost the economy. However, the policy also had its drawbacks. Turkish workers often faced discrimination and were relegated to low-skilled, low-paid jobs. Many of them struggled to integrate into German society and faced language barriers and cultural differences.
The Gastarbeiter policy officially ended in 1973, but many Turkish workers remained in Germany and were eventually granted permanent residency. Today, there are over 3 million people of Turkish descent living in Germany, making it the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey.
The Ankara Agreement and the supplementary protocol signed by Germany have had a significant impact on the relationship between Turkey and the EU. While the agreement has been criticized for not doing enough to promote democracy and human rights in Turkey, it remains an important symbol of cooperation between the two parties. It also paved the way for future agreements and negotiations, including Turkey`s ongoing bid for EU membership.
In conclusion, the Ankara Agreement and its supplementary protocol with Germany were important milestones in the history of Turkish-European relations. They opened up opportunities for Turkish workers in Germany and helped to boost economic cooperation between Turkey and the EU. While the policies were not without their flaws, they remain a significant part of the shared history between Turkey and its European neighbors.