Coordination between the EU Member States' Embassies and the EU Delegation in Turkey: A Case of European Diplomatic Representation

Abstract

This article analyses how the changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty have influenced the performance of the EU Delegation in Ankara and the relationship between the EU Delegation, member states' embassies and Turkish government during times of crisis. Based on numerous interviews, the article analyses how European diplomacy conducted by the EU Delegation and EU member states' embassies functions in three categorically different situations: 1) a political crisis in the host country; 2) an international crisis involving a neighbouring region to the host country; and 3) negotiations between the host government and the EU on an issue important for EU member states, against the background of a stalled accession process. Based on an investigation of the relationship of the EU Delegation, EU member states' embassies and Turkey in those three distinct contexts, the article sheds light on the opportunities and constraints of the new way of European diplomatic representation.