IKV celebrated its 50^th anniversary on 10 December 2015 in Istanbul with a gala dinner. IKV Chairman of the Board of Directors, Members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, former Chairmen, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Research Director, Project Director, researchers and members of the administrative team as well as  former Secretary Generals, researchers and employees attended the gala dinner.

The opening speech of the event was delivered by IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. Chairman Zeytinoğlu explained that with its 50 year long past, IKV has become a reference in Turkey’s EU membership process. Chairman Zeytinoğlu thanked everyone who has contributed to the activities carried out by the foundation.

In his speech, Chairman Zeytinoğlu stressed that IKV succeeded in creating a strong institutional tradition and in pursuing with determination its activities with the aim of contributing to Turkey’s integration process with the EU. Moreover, he pointed out that IKV which had been created through the joint initiative of Istanbul Chamber of Industry and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is continuing its activities through the support of first and foremost TOBB but also important names of the business world such as the TBB, TISK, TIM, TÜSIAD, TZOB and IHKIB. He also reminded that the business world had a prominent place regarding the processes of the Customs Union and Turkey’s EU integration. In that respect, he explained that IKV is realising an important duty in informing and expressing views regarding the possible effects of the EU integration process and for such views to be delivered to key decision makers.

Chairman Zeytinoğlu also pointed out that there may be some signs of the EU fatigue among certain circles. He stressed that although Turkey is not yet an EU Member State, the EU membership objective constitutes an important compass in strengthening Turkey’s democratisation, development and modernisation. In that respect, he pointed out that IKV is precisely aware of the critical importance of the EU membership objective for Turkey but highlighted the need to take the necessary steps to further advance towards this objective. He underlined that if such steps are not taken, there may be irretrievable consequences for the country.

Following the dinner, a cake was presented at the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Foundation.