Becoming a member of the European Union (EU) is not an ultimate goal for Turkey. It is an essential stage on the way to building a better society and nation. These goals may be defined as a social system providing a high living standards with a democratic political system and and a steadily deepening commitment to humanitarian values. The EU's significance for Turkey derives from the fact that, at least for the time being, it is the proven means of attaining these goals.

The decision of December 17, 2004 gives Turkey the go-ahead needed to proceed with work on all the requirements needed for this far-reaching transition.