Standstill clause and its Impact on Turkey-EU relations

Turkey has recently achieved a remarkable economic growth. In this regard, it is easily said that EU Member States might benefit from commercial, educational, cultural and touristic visits of Turkish people. However, Turkey is currently the only EU candidate county whose citizens are obliged to get a visa. The Schengen regime and restrictions concerning the freedom of movement for workers, freedom of establishment and, freedom to provide and receive services present a significant obstacle to the strengthening of relations between two sides. Association agreements and their additions with third countries such as the ones with Turkey are primary legal sources of EU legislation and so directly applicable; additionally, standstill clauses laid down in these sources protect previously given and acquired rights of citizens of both contracting parties. In recent years, by virtue of its decisions, the ECJ has performed a very significant function through condemning EU members to pay, which states do not adapt EU Law into their domestic law, not fully reflect it or not adapt it in time. Thus, it should be beneficial to remember and keep in mind some details about these rights and freedoms.