The restructuring of local governments within the framework of Turkey–EU relations: A legal and institutional analysis

This study examines the transformation of local government structures in Turkey within the context of the country's accession process to the European Union (EU). Fundamental EU principles such as decentralization, governance, and participatory democracy have significantly influenced local government reforms in Turkey. Particularly after the year 2000, legal amendments and institutional arrangements were introduced to align with the EU acquis, aiming to relax the centralized administrative structure and strengthen democratic practices at the local level. In this regard, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical development of local administrations in Turkey, the impact of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the adoption of governance principles, and the extent to which the principle of subsidiarity is implemented. The research was conducted using a descriptive method and relies on legal texts, strategic documents, official reports, and academic literature. The findings reveal that although institutional capacity in local governments has been enhanced during the EU accession process, certain structural problems persist in practice. The study concludes that the EU integration process presents a significant opportunity for the democratization of local governance in Turkey.