Although Turkey has formed a customs union with the EU since 1996, its full integration into the EU will be a big challenge: because of its size (with almost 70 million people and growing), its backward eastern regions, its still fragile political and legal system and, last but not least, widespread apprehension among West European voters. Since accession looks unlikely before 2015, both sides need to take a long-term view. Turkish membership would add a young and dynamic economy to a sluggish and ageing EU. It would help the EU to play a more constructive role in the volatile Middle East and Black Sea region. For Turkey, EU accession provides a solid anchor for political stability and economic modernisation.

The CER's Turkey programme provides balanced analysis of, and fresh policy ideas for, Turkey's complex accession process. We bring together politicians, academics, businesspeople and journalists to encourage open and informed debates about possible stumbling blocs. At our annual Bosphorus conference in Istanbul (which we organise with the British Council and the Tesev think tank) we have welcomed Ali Babacan, Peter Mandelson, Abdullah Gül, Geoff Hoon, Carl Bildt, David Hannay, Quentin Peel and many others.