Marmara Üni̇versi̇tesi̇ Öğreti̇m Elemanlarinin Türki̇ye-Ab İli̇şki̇leri̇ne Yöneli̇k Algilari Üzeri̇ne Bi̇r Araştirma

Abstract

This study mainly aims at evaluating the perception of academic staff in Marmara University on Turkey-EU relations. The instrument of the survey is a multi-dimensional questionnaire conducted among the academics' in Turkey about the perception towards the EU. The findings of the survey are evaluated with reference to current debates in Turkey-EU relations. Based on Turkey's application in 1959, the relations have always been a turbulent process, which is currently in a stalemate despite the beginning of accession negotiations in 2005. Throughout this prolonged period, surveys on public perception -despite at varying degrees-confirmed the positive inclination towards the EU membership. This study contributes to the literature on public perception towards the EU in Turkey by targeting academics, who are supposed to have higher social influence. Moreover, the findings of this survey may contribute to future studies on the perception of the EU in Turkey as far as the attendance of academics from a variety of scientific areas in Marmara University is considered. Despite all problems in Turkey-EU relations, with reference to the findings of Marmara University survey, this study argues that academics are still positive about Turkey's accession to the EU.