IKV hosted one of its founders Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) at TOBB Plaza on the 14^th January 2015. Members of both board of directors analyzed the perspectives and expectations of the business community in regard to Turkey’s EU membership process. They also discussed about the latest developments in regard to Turkey-EU relations.

ISO Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan spoke about the ongoing TTIP negotiations, the Customs Union and the visa process. Chairman Bahçıvan pointed out that the EU’s position played an influential role in delaying Turkey’s membership to EU. He further stressed the importance of strengthening relations with the EU for the business community.

IKV Chairman Ömer Cihad Vardan stressed that, at the occasion of its 50^th anniversary in 2015, IKV foresees to organise a broad range of activities both in Turkey and the EU under the theme of “50 years, 50 projects”. Furthermore, Vardan ensured that as a civil society organisation that has at its heart the interests of the business community, IKV would pursue its effort to contribute to Turkey’s EU membership process.

ISO President of Assembly and IKV Board of Directors Deputy Chairwoman Zeynep Bodur Okyay stressed on the importance that IKV is an expert organisation that has been working on EU issues for over 50 years and she further stressed that the foundation is playing a valuable role in Turkey-EU relations. IKV’s activities and foreseen projects within the framework of its 50^th anniversary were assessed by both the board of directors of both institutions.