This study explores the extent to which European lecturers experience barriers to participation in the Erasmus programme in relation to Turkey. The evidence indicates that, although the number of Turkish lecturers who participate in the programme has constantly been increasing, mobility from the European Union (EU) to Turkey is low. A question arises as to what measures should be taken to reduce obstacles to the academic mobility and to improve attractiveness to the Turkish higher education institutions (HEIs) to European academics. In order to understand how mobility might be increased, the study investigates key drivers and barriers that might hinder mobility and draws conclusions about ways to improve participation.