Publication

This brief examines the dynamics between the EU, the Turkish government and the Kurdish political movement. It argues Europe has been a primary actor in Turkey’s democratization process and for the Kurdish political struggle since the late 1980s. However, since the mid-2000s the dynamics have changed and the role, legitimacy and significance of European institutions in Turkey has diminished. The “peace process” launched by the Turkish government in 2012 raises hopes for a peaceful settlement, but the mismatch between the parties’ expectations make it extremely fragile.