The question as to whether and when the European Union EU should open accession negotiations with Turkey has given rise to a heateddebate not just among the political and academic communities, but alsoamong the European public at large. Whereas some expect major economic andgeopolitical benefits from Turkish EU membership, others fear that it would changethe nature of the European project and destroy its original rationale. Thiscontribution throws some light on the issues with an eye on economictheory of optimum integration areas