A Lost Opportunity? A Critique of the EU's Human Rights Policy Towards Turkey

The Impact of the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on Turkey's EU Candidacy

“…The power of the military to play a civil role and to intervene in political life through the National Security Council derives from the Turkish Constitution. 69 The European Commission has repeatedly opposed the active presence of the military in Turkish politics and cites it as firm evidence that the development of democracy at present falls short of EU standards. 70 Markedly, reforms that concern the issues of human rights and democracy are unlikely to meet with success, as long as the role of the military remains central to Turkish politics whenever deemed necessary.…”

“…41 However, Europe's decision has been characterised by some as part of the 'containment' policy that requires closer relations with Ankara, while delaying the prospect of membership. 42 During all these years, the EU did not seem to have the political will to incorporate Turkey; nonetheless, since rejecting Turkey outright would have been too costly in security terms, it found 'a perfect middle ground by neither completely closing the door to Turkey nor opening accession negotiations'. 43 Following Turkey's application for membership with the Community, the government in Ankara became more vulnerable and more responsive to European influence.…”

Turkey's foreign policy options: Europe, the USA or Central Asia?

“…It is no coincidence that Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, came from the ranks of Turkey's military, as have five more presidents of the Turkish Republic. The Turkish military establishment's institutionalization has been cemented over time through the National Security Council (NSC), often perceived as the absolute champion of Kemalist legacy (Arikan 2002). More precisely, 'The Turkish military wields the bulk of its political influence through the NSC, the vehicle used in Turkey to determine foreign policy.…”

Europeanization of Political Elite Discourses in Turkey: A Content Analysis of Parliamentary Debates 1994–2002

“…Helsinki has also promoted debate among the Turkish public on the conditions for EU membership, a debate which is supported and encouraged by the forces for reform in Turkey. 40 However, without a consensus among the political elites on the necessity and primacy of democratization, it is questionable that the Helsinki decision would have had the same effect on political elite discourses and on policies in Turkey.…”