Turkey and the EU [What Think Tanks are thinking]

Relations between Turkey and the European Union have been strained for some time, and most recently, Ankara became embroiled in a diplomatic spat with Germany and the Netherlands, following decisions in both countries to prevent Turkish ministers from addressing rallies of expatriate Turks. On 16 April 2017, the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will hold a referendum to expand presidential powers.

Mr Erdogan has said that Turkey, an EU candidate country, may review its relations with the Union after the coming vote. Government officials have also threatened to ditch the 2016 agreement between the EU and Turkey that has helped to stem the flow of migrants into Europe.

In November, 2016, the European Parliament passed a resolution, calling for Turkey's EU entry talks to be suspended until Ankara ended its 'disproportionate' and repressive response to a failed coup in July 2016.

This note offers links to a series of recent studies and comments from major international think tanks and research institutes on Turkey and its relations with the EU.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU-Turkey Statement. One year on, March 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-turkey-statement-one-year-on/

ESO: Background information: Turkish military claims to have taken control of the country / Coup attempt falters in Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkish-military-claims-to-have-taken-control-of-the-country-coup-attempt-falters-in-turkey/

ESO: Background information: Turkey 'on the road to autocracy,' Venice Commission watchdog says http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-on-the-road-to-autocracy-venice-commission-watchdog-says/

ESO: Background information: Should Europe ban AKP rallies? http://www.europeansources.info/record/should-europe-ban-akp-rallies/

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