Turkey makes a mockery of Europe’s claim to uphold democratic values. EPC Commentary, 16 March 2016

Paul, Amanda (2016) Turkey makes a mockery of Europe’s claim to uphold democratic values. EPC Commentary, 16 March 2016. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

The 7 March EU-Turkey migration crisis summit took place three days after the Turkish authorities seized Feza media group, which includes Turkey’s largest circulation daily Zaman and its English language sister paper Today’s Zaman. The seizure was the latest development in the worst crackdown on fundamental rights and freedoms Turkey has witnessed in decades. Yet because Turkey is vital in dealing with the migration/refugee crisis, the EU’s response was meek to say the least. For the first time since the Cold War – when Turkey was key in shoring up Europe’s security – Ankara has found itself in a particular position of strength. Turkey has skillfully exploited the EU’s and particularly German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s urgent need to find a way out of the crisis.

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