Having been a secular republic, Turkey has participated in the formation of Western Alliance institutions such as OECD, NATO, Council of Europe and the EU. Turkey integration with the ELI started ? 1th EEC when Turkey and the EEC has signed an Ankara Agreement in 1963. Further economic integration has evolved ever since, culminating in the Turkey's application for fill! membership. The candidacy was recognized officially in 1999 and despite controversy, Turkey believed becoming EU full membership will be a win-win situation for both parties.