IKV, in cooperation with DEIK (Foreign Economic Relations Board)  organized on the 30^th October 2014 a round table on “Turkey-EU relations and regional development” with the participation of Gianni Pitella, leader of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats’ fraction in the European Parliament as the honoured guest. During his two day visit in Istanbul, Gianni Pitella, attended to this discussion held with some of Istanbul’s most important business’ interest groups.

 In his opening speech, Italian MEP Pitella underlined Turkey’s importance for Europe and the existence of good economic partnership.  He also stressed that the EU was ready to reinforce this partnership in the political, economic and cultural areas.  He ensured that his party supported Turkey’s accession to the EU but insisted also on the fact that Turkey needed to take further steps into the direction of the EU.

During his speech, he also emphasized the importance of the visa liberalization in order to ensure the free movement of the people as well. By referring especially to the ERASMUS programme, he insisted on the importance of the liberalization in further reinforcing cultural ties.

 During the discussion, several points were made, such as the necessity of adopting a new approach, since relation between EU and Turkey has not changed in the last 50 years.  Taking into account the changes within the EU institutions and the Turkish government, it has been pointed out that these changes could be interpreted as an opportunity to re-own Turkey’s EU project.  Indeed, Turkey’s new EU strategy should be also considered as an incentive to give an impetus to the accession negotiations.

 The discussions also were mostly about the established Customs Union between Turkey and EU and the problems encountered in the current way of functioning. Representatives of business’ interest groups stressed the importance to include Turkey in the ongoing TTIP negotiations between the EU and USA. If Turkey were excluded, it would be exposed to several trade disadvantages. Another major concern that was pointed out was the burdensome visa procedures applied towards Turkish businessmen which constitute an unfair competition compared to their European counterparts.  Attention was also brought to the problems related to transport quotas. The representatives of International Transporters Association stressed the importance of facilitating the visa for professional drivers. During the round table, the refugees from Syria and the Cyprus issue were also two other main topics discussed by the participants.

 At the end of the conference, important statements were made by Italian MEP Pittella. Firstly is the importance of lifting the barrier on visa liberalization and secondly, to involve Turkey in the negotiation discussion of TTIP with the USA. Pittella also noted that he and his group S&D strongly support improving the quality of Turkey-EU relations. He also said that he hoped a solution can be worked out for the integration of Turkey into the TTIP process.