IKV hosted a meeting on 11 September 2015 entitled  “Latest Developments in Turkey's EU Accession Process: Critical Issues and Prospects Ahead of the 2015 Progress Report” with the participation of Commission of Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations' (DG NEAR) actıng Head of Turkey Unit Patrick Paquet. Many guests from the business community, universities and NGOs attended the meeting.

The opening speech of the seminar was delivered by IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. In his opening remarks, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu evaluated the latest developments regarding Turkey’s EU accession negotiations. He stressed that accession negotiations are frozen as a result of political obstacles. In order to overcome these obstacles and to increase cooperation in key areas with Turkey, he stressed that dialogue should be initiated with the EU in several areas such as energy, foreign policy and economy. Moreover, Zeytinoğlu underlined that this kind of dialogue should not be considered as an alternative but as complementary to Turkey’s EU accession negotiations. In his opening speech, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also referred to the ongoing Turkey-EU visa liberalisation dialogue process and the revision process of the Customs Union

In the beginning of his speech, Acting Head of Turkey Unit Chief Patrick Paquet stated that the accession negotiations are pursued at a slow pace. He indicated that the refugee crisis and the worsening situation in Syria should be addressed in closer cooperation between Turkey and the EU. Paquet also spoke about the positive developments in EU-Turkey relations. In this respect, he drew attention to the significant increase in trade between the EU and Turkey and pointed out that Turkey thus became the sixth largest trade partner of the EU. In an allusion to growing interest on the part of the EU for Turkey, Paquet underpinned that many Commission officials have visited Turkey in the last few years. Moreover, Paquet added that the possibility of Turkey’s inclusion to Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s Investment Plan for Europe was also discussed among European representatives.

Regarding foreign policy, Paquet indicated that Turkey’s alignment with the EU is at its lowest level (29%) as recorded in the 2014 Progress Report. Nevertheless, he also stressed that Turkey remains an important strategic partner for the EU. Furthermore, Paquet explained that in order to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation in counter-terrorism, it is of utmost importance for Turkey to enact a law regarding data protection.

Furthermore, Paquet announced that the Commission is preparing to launch a High-Level Economic Dialogue covering economic issue with Turkey following the general elections in November. In addition, he explained that the dialogue will be conducted in accordance with the principle of equality in contrast with the asymmetric nature of the accession negotiations process. Paquet stated that developments in the EU economy will be discussed in the context of the High-Level Economic Dialogue and will aim at harmonising positions in forums such as the G20. In that context, Paquet added that the opening of Chapter 17 on Economic and Monetary Policy would contribute to this process. Paquet also stressed the need for a new discourse regarding Turkey’s accession negotiations. In that context, he explained that France has lifted its blockage on Chapter 17 and he noted that they expected this chapter to be opened to negotiations following the establishment of a new government in Turkey. Paquet also underscored that major developments can materialise in 2016 which could eventually lead to the opening of Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security). In that respect, he noted that the necessary roadmaps would be delivered to Turkey. 

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Paquet indicated that the fact that both leaders have renewed negotiations within the framework of the UN offers new opportunities for a long-lasting solution in the island.

As regards to the progress reports, Paquet announced that the 2015 Progress Report which is scheduled to be launched by the Commission on the 14 October 2015 will see a substantial change in its methodology. As such, Paquet explained that progress reports and the enlargement package will be “re-shaped”. He further indicated that reports will be more reader friendly and understandable with the inclusion of an executive summary in introduction and details in appendix. Moreover, he added that further economic data will be included within the framework of the economic criteria section. Paquet stressed that the Commission would especially increase its focus on issues pertaining to the rule of law and economic governance. As such, he added that chapters on Public Procurement, Statistics and Financial Control (Chapters 5, 18 and 32 respectively) would further gain importance. Additionally, he noted that with the liberalisation of public procurement, the access of Turkish companies to the EU market would be substantially facilitated. He also said that the amendments which are to be made upon the progress reports would facilitate simplify making comparisons between countries as regards different areas.  

As regards the ongoing negotiations on the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation Dialogue, Paquet stated that whilst the fact that various visa requirements in countries within the Schengen system constitutes an undesirable situation, it cannot be avoided. Moreover, Paquet asked whether there are examples in which Turkey has signed visa facilitation agreements with other countries and explained that the possibility of multiple entry and long-term visa facilitation for the business sector is in the EU’s agenda within the framework of the “Visa Exemption and Readmission Agreement” which is to complete its third year.

Paquet also gave comprehensive information regarding the revision of the Turkey-EU Customs Union which is expected to begin officially in 2016 with a “Customs Union Impact Analysis”. He added that the impact analysis will be prepared by a consortium and that its conclusions would be shared with the Member States and that afterwards the next step would be to indicate how to further advance in such negotiations. Finally, Paquet stressed that stakeholders in Turkey will be able to share their comments regarding Turkey-EU Customs Union on the Commission’s official website and that such opinions would be reflected in the periodic report planned to be published in March-April 2016. Paquet also indicated that the official consultation process towards Turkish and EU public opinions is scheduled to start in April 2016.