The role of NGOs in the European integration process: the Turkish experience

Abstract:

The purpose of this article is to analyze the development of the civil society sector of Turkey in light of the country's aspirations for EU membership and the role civil society organizations have played in advancing Turkey's overall Europeanization and prospects of eventual membership. Since the Helsinki Summit in which Turkey was formally acknowledged as a candidate country for EU membership, a new stage has begun in Turkey's civil society. Our overview of this stage from the perspective of the ARI Movement is a case study as to how NGOs have articulated their positions and reached their goals in light of the promise of EU membership.