A country, with the majority of its territory located in Asia, is nevertheless determined to integrate with European nations and even seeks to join the European Union.

On Earth, both nations and individuals aspire to find a suitable organization to join, like finding a safe harbor and a stable stage, providing more protection and support for future development.

Turkey, as a country with most of its territory in Asia, nevertheless has a strong desire to integrate with European countries and has been eagerly seeking to join the European Union for decades.

Turkey, this country with an Asian body and a European heart, is determined in its affection for the European Union.

Although already a member of NATO and experiencing rapid economic growth, Turkey has yet to fulfill its long-standing ambition of joining the European Union.

This situation begs the question: What has this fiercely independent country experienced?

Turkey's geographical location is somewhat awkward, situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, with only 3% of its territory belonging to Europe.

With abundant resources and characteristics similar to those of Europeans, Turkey seems destined to become an EU member.

However, Turkey's path to membership has been exceptionally difficult.

Despite efforts to improve agriculture, industry, and tourism, Turkey has consistently failed to meet the EU's accession criteria.

Since applying in 1987, the EU has always regarded Turkey as a candidate country but has never formally accepted its membership.

What does EU membership mean for Turkey? And why is it so challenging?

The EU's reluctance stems not only from geopolitical concerns about Turkey's location but also from differences in historical culture and values.

Turkey was once the Ottoman Empire, which conquered Europe, leaving deep-seated resentment.

This historical legacy has made it difficult for Turkey to gain acceptance in the eyes of the EU.

Furthermore, EU member states fear that Turkey's accession could upset the balance within the EU and affect their interests.

These factors have made Turkey's path to the EU even more arduous, leaving it disappointed and heartbroken.

However, EU member states enjoy many benefits.

The EU provides financial aid, trade opportunities, and economic integration, which are particularly important for developing countries.

Despite not joining the EU, Turkey still benefits greatly from agreements reached with the EU.

EU aid funds are used to improve the living conditions of refugees, provide healthcare and education, and play a positive role in Turkey's economic and social development.

However, the EU is not without its flaws. For Turkey, the EU's rejection also reveals its concerns and conservatism regarding external forces.

As a country eager to join, Turkey faces limitations not only in geopolitics but also in economic and social development.

In conclusion, although Turkey's path to the EU is full of obstacles, the EU, as one of the world's largest economic alliances, still attracts many countries to join.

While Turkey may not achieve its desired EU membership, it can still benefit from cooperation with the EU, gaining many advantages and support.

Additionally, there are also some divisions among EU member states, such as the Brexit referendum in 2016, indicating that the EU faces challenges in handling internal affairs.

However, overall, the EU, as a whole, remains a powerful economic entity and political force, with significant implications for the development and stability of its member states.