Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1987, but accession talks have been stalled for many years due to a number of political and economic issues. However, there have been recent signs that the EU is warming to the idea of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.

In 2016, the EU agreed to grant visa-free travel to Turkish citizens if Turkey met a number of conditions, including improving its human rights record and taking steps to reduce illegal migration. Turkey has made some progress on these issues, but it is still not clear whether it will meet all of the conditions by the end of the year.

However, there is speculation that the EU may be willing to grant visa-free travel to Turkish citizens even if Turkey does not meet all of the conditions. This is because the EU is eager to improve relations with Turkey, which is a key player in the Middle East.

If Turkey is granted visa-free travel, it would be a major boost for the Turkish economy. Turkish citizens would be able to travel to the EU more easily, which would increase tourism and trade. It would also be a symbolic victory for Turkey, which has long sought to be part of the European family.

However, there are also some concerns about the potential impact of visa-free travel on the EU. Some people worry that it could lead to an increase in illegal immigration, as well as terrorism. The EU will need to carefully consider these risks before making a decision on visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.

Here are some of the pros and cons of visa-free EU travel for Turkey:

Pros:

• Increased tourism and trade
• Boost for the Turkish economy
• Symbol of Turkey's integration with Europe

Cons:

• Increased illegal immigration
• Increased risk of terrorism
• Strain on EU resources

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to grant visa-free travel to Turkish citizens is a complex one. The EU will need to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully before making a decision.

Erdogen claims to granting Turkey a Visa-free access to Europe

According to recent reports, Turkish opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has made a promise of visa-free travel in the Schengen Area if he is elected as president on 14 May. Kılıçdaroğlu is the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and is heading a coalition of six opposition parties, including secularists, nationalists, conservatives, and liberals.

In his campaign, Kılıçdaroğlu has emphasised the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, aiming to counteract the increasing centralization of power under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been in office for two decades.

During a recent television interview, Kılıçdaroğlu expressed his commitment to solving visa problems and stated that if the CHP coalition wins, Turkish citizens would be able to enter Europe without a visa within three months.

It's important to note that this information is based on the available reports at the time and is subject to potential developments and changes. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa policies and travel regulations between Turkey and the European Union, it is advisable to consult official government sources and follow reliable news outlets.

Can Turkish citizens travel to Europe?

In September 2021, Turkish citizens can travel to Europe but are generally required to obtain a visa to enter the countries in the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a zone consisting of 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for free movement within the area.

Turkey itself is not a member of the European Union (EU) nor part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, Turkish citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa from the consulate or embassy of the specific Schengen country they plan to visit. This visa allows them to travel within the Schengen Area for a limited period, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

It's important to note that visa requirements and regulations can vary between countries, and it's advisable to consult the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa application procedures and requirements. Additionally, any recent changes in visa policies or bilateral agreements between Turkey and specific European countries should be checked with official sources or reliable news outlets.

Reason why Turkey is not a member of the Schengen Area

Turkey is not a member of the Schengen Area for several reasons. Despite being recognized as a candidate country for EU membership in 1999, progress towards full membership has been slow.

In 2016, discussions regarding Turkey's potential visa liberalisation were accelerated as part of a refugee deal aimed at reducing the influx of migrants into Europe from Turkish territory. However, progress on the visa liberalisation process was hindered as the EU raised concerns about human rights violations and legal deficiencies in Turkey.

To gain visa-free access to the EU, Turkey was required to meet 72 benchmarks. As of now, Turkey has fulfilled 67 of these benchmarks. However, the European Commission maintains the authority to suspend or revoke the visa liberalisation agreement in the event of a sudden or substantial increase in irregular migration from Turkey.

These challenges and delays have contributed to Turkey's current status outside of the Schengen Area, with ongoing discussions and negotiations still taking place between Turkey and the EU regarding potential future developments.

These are some of the reasons why Turkey is not a member of Schengen Area 

1. EU Membership Status: 

Turkey is not yet a full member of the European Union (EU). Accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU have been ongoing since 2005, but progress has been slow. Turkey has not met all the necessary criteria and requirements for EU membership, including political, economic, and legislative reforms.

2. Geographical Considerations:

 Geographically, Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, with only a small portion of its territory located in Europe. Its unique location and size pose challenges in terms of border management and migration control, which need to be addressed before potential Schengen membership is considered.

3. Schengen Area Criteria:

 Membership in the Schengen Area requires compliance with specific criteria related to border control, security, and cooperation. Turkey has been working towards meeting these criteria, but there are still areas where improvements are needed, such as enhancing border management, addressing security concerns, and aligning legislation with EU standards.

4. Political and Legal Issues:

 Turkey's political and legal situation has also been a factor in its Schengen membership status. Concerns about the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression have been raised by the EU, leading to debates and challenges in the membership process.

5. Migration and Refugee Issues:

 The migration crisis in recent years, particularly the influx of refugees into Europe, has complicated Turkey's relationship with the EU. Discussions around visa liberalisation and migration management have been linked, and progress in these areas has been impacted by the complexities of the situation.

It's important to note that these factors are based on the current state of affairs and are subject to change as negotiations and developments continue between Turkey and the EU regarding membership and Schengen cooperation.

How will Kılıçdaroğlu secure Schengen zone access for Turkey?

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has stated that his party aims to secure Schengen zone access for Turkey by fulfilling the remaining five benchmarks.

These benchmarks involve:

• Aligning legislation related to personal data protection

This benchmark requires Turkey to harmonise its data protection laws with the standards set by the European Union (EU).

To meet this requirement, Turkey would need to implement measures that ensure the adequate protection of personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant EU regulations. This includes establishing a legal framework that guarantees the rights of individuals regarding the processing of their personal data, such as consent, access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.

Additionally, Turkey would need to establish an independent data protection authority that oversees the enforcement and supervision of data protection laws. This authority would be responsible for ensuring compliance, investigating data breaches, and imposing sanctions if necessary.

• Counterterrorism measures

Turkey has faced significant security challenges due to the presence of various terrorist organisations and ongoing conflicts in neighbouring regions. Here are some key aspects of counterterrorism measures in Turkey:

Turkey has implemented anti-terrorism laws and regulations to provide a legal basis for combating terrorism. These laws aim to identify and prosecute individuals involved in terrorist activities, as well as to disrupt the financing and support networks of terrorist organisations.

Turkish security forces, including the police and military, conduct operations to detect and apprehend individuals involved in terrorist activities. These operations may involve intelligence gathering, surveillance, targeted arrests, and the disruption of terrorist cells or networks.

Alongside security measures, Turkey has also implemented deradicalization and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of terrorism and provide support to individuals vulnerable to radicalization.

• Anti-corruption efforts

Anti-corruption efforts in Turkey involve a range of measures, including the enactment of laws, establishment of institutions, promotion of transparency and accountability, whistleblower protection, international cooperation, and awareness and education initiatives. These efforts aim to combat corruption, promote integrity, and ensure good governance in both the public and private sectors. The effectiveness of these measures may vary, and it is recommended to consult official sources and reliable news outlets for up-to-date information on the status of anti-corruption initiatives in Turkey.

• Cooperation with EU member states on criminal matters

Turkey engages in mutual legal assistance with EU member states, facilitating cooperation in criminal investigations and proceedings. This involves the exchange of information, evidence, and intelligence, as well as the execution of requests for legal assistance.

Turkish law enforcement agencies work closely with their counterparts in EU member states in joint investigations, particularly in cases involving transnational organised crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. This cooperation allows for information sharing, intelligence analysis, and coordinated law enforcement actions.

• Concluding a cooperation agreement with Europol. 

Turkey cooperates with Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, which facilitates information exchange, operational cooperation, and coordination of law enforcement efforts against organised crime and other serious offences.

The cooperation agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence between Turkey and Europol. This includes sharing data on organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and other transnational criminal activities.

Is Kılıçdaroğlu likely to win the election?

The upcoming election is expected to be a closely contested race between President Erdoğan's AKP and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's CHP. Predictions suggest that it is likely the election will result in a runoff between these two candidates.

By meeting these standards, Turkey would be taking steps to enhance its compatibility with EU regulations and requirements.

Furthermore, Kılıçdaroğlu's potential victory in the election could signify the beginning of a new era of democratisation in Turkey. This could create an opportunity for Turkey to reset its relations with the European Union and engage in constructive dialogue to address various concerns and pave the way for closer cooperation, including potential progress towards Schengen zone access.

It is important to note that the actual outcome and specific strategies for securing Schengen zone access for Turkey would depend on the policies, negotiations, and actions taken by the political leaders and relevant authorities involved.