The delegation composed by IKV Secretary-General, Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, IKV Deputy Secretary-General and Research Director Melih Özsöz, IKV Project Manager Çisel İleri and IKV Senior Researcher Selen Akses visited the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), the Ministry for EU Affairs and the Ministry of Economy on 21 December 2015. IKV delegation paid a visit to these institutions to discuss the upgrading process of the Customs Union.

During their visit, the delegation came together with TEPAV’s Executive Director Dr. Güven Sak and his team. In the course of the meeting, the parties discussed possible areas for cooperation in regards to the revision of the Customs Union, especially from the perspective of possible expansion of the scope to the agricultural and service sectors.

During the visit to the Ministry for EU Affairs; the IKV delegation met with Deputy Undersecretary Ahmet Yücel and Director of the Directorate of Single Market and Competition Lale Çelik. Deputy Undersecretary Yücel shared some general information regarding the upgrading process of the Customs Union. The active participation of non-governmental organizations and sector representatives in this process has been highlighted. In addition, Deputy Secretary Yücel evaluated also the process of Visa Liberalization Dialogue.

Lastly, during the visit to the Ministry of Economy, the IKV delegation met with Director General for EU Affairs Murat Yapıcı and his team. General information was given regarding the impact assessment analyses and surveys carried out and the consultation process  regarding the upgrading process of the Customs Union conducted both in Turkey and the EU. It was emphasized that the revision of the Customs Union is essential for Turkey’s participation to the TTIP process.