IKV’s 53^rd General Assembly was held on 6 July 2015 in Istanbul with the participation of the delegates of the General Meeting and representatives of IKV’s Founder and Trustee Organizations. The General Assembly was chaired by IKV Vice-President and Dean of Yeditepe University Law Faculty Prof. Halûk Kabaalioğlu.

Ömer Cihad Vardan who has been acting as IKV Chairman since 16 January 2014 left his post due to his workload stemming from DEIK’s chairmanship.

In his opening speech, former IKV Chairman Vardan presented an overview of the latest developments regarding Turkey-EU relations. He referred to the opening of the chapter on Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments to negotiations, the signing of the Readmission Agreement and the launch of the visa liberalization dialogue as well as the decision to revise the Customs Union. Vardan also presented the various activities and projects carried out by IKV in 2014 and 2015 such as the establishment of the FTA Information and Capacity Building Center and the public opinion conducted to identify the level of awareness on the EU and support for Turkey’s EU membership among the Turkish public opinion. Reminding that this year IKV has celebrated its 50^th anniversary, they have created the slogan “Turkey’s EU Expert”. He also shared the activities carried out by IKV as a leading member in C20 Steering Committee during Turkey’s G20 Presidency.

During his speech, IHKIB President Hikmet Tanrıverdi shared his experience of working in close cooperation with IKV in many joint projects while serving as a member of the Board of Directors during two and half terms.

ISO President Erdal Bahçıvan emphasized the important role played by IKV in Turkey’s EU accession process with its 50-year experience.  In his speech, he focused on the problems encountered by Turkey within the current way of functioning of the Customs Union. In this respect, he explained that it was unacceptable to have restrictions on the free movement of Turkish businessmen while Turkish goods could freely move to the EU. He thus encourages the initiative taken by Turkish and European authorities to revise the Custom Union and to expand its scope in parallel to the development of new trade conditions. Lastly, pointing out to the increase of prejudice and hatred on a global scale, he ensured that Turkey's EU accession would contribute to peace in Europe and in the world.

In his speech, TOBB Vice-President Halim Mete explained that for over 50 years, IKV not only contributed in Turkey-EU relations but also played an important role in informing and keeping the business world updated with the latest developments. He stated that the Turkish business community considers Turkey’s EU accession as a win-win situation for both parties. Although Turkey has undergone important reforms in the economic and political fields in order to fulfil the Copenhagen and Maastricht criteria, Mete pointed out that the pace of structural reforms slowed down. In this respect, he stressed the importance of opening chapters on Energy, Economic and Monetary Union, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and on Justice, Freedom and Security to negotiations. In his speech, Mete also referred to the revision of the Customs Union and explained that this process should proceed with close dialogue and consultation mechanism with all segments of the society. Lastly, he also insisted that Turkey should not remain outside the TTIP process.