Examining the effects of EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) funding on perceptions of civil society among CSOs in Turkey: a case study of Batman province

Abstract

In an effort to meet standards established by the European Union (EU), Turkey has promoted efforts geared toward encouraging civil society. Among these efforts, are support for local civil society organizations (CSOs). This study assesses the impact of EU standards on Turkish civil society with a special focus on EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) funded associations in Batman Province. To this end, we analyze responses to the Civil Society Index from a sample of directors of boards for CSOs in Batman Province. Our findings indicate CSOs receiving EU IPA funding have a more positive outlook on civil society than their self-supported counterparts; however, when controlling for the mission of CSOs the results vary with associations engaged in promoting human rights, education and social assistance having less optimistic views of the advancement of civil society.