The EU says there is "no excuse" for Turkey to abandon the rule of law after the failed coup, which led to thousands of arrests made in the armed forces and judiciary.  

President Tayyip Erdogan's government has arrested thousands of members of the civil service and judiciary as well as hundreds of soldiers.

EU Foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini insisted the legitimate institutions need to be protected.

"We are the ones saying today the rule of law has to be protected in the country, there is no excuse for any steps that takes the country away from that."

Her fellow EU official, Johannes Hahn, said he had the impression that the government prepared lists, like those of judges, to be arrested even before the coup took place. 

"I mean that (the fact that) the lists are available already after the event, indicates that this was prepared, that at certain moment it should be used."

There are also concerns about how Erdogan is strengthening his position in the country.

Many expect a heavy clampdown on dissent and are worried after Erdogan suggested bringing back the death penalty for those behind the plot.

The Turkish government has accused U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the coup, but he's denied any connection with it.

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