The kick of meeting of the “Support to the EU Information Centres Network Project” was held in Ankara on 2-3 February 2016. IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu attended this meeting along with IKV Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas and the Coordinators of IKV’s EU Information Centres Network. IKV which already holds one of the European Documentation Centres in Turkey is taking part in the “Support to the EU Information Centres Network Project” by taking in charge of Istanbul EU Information Centre Network.

As it is known, the EU Information Centres Network exists in Turkey since 1996. The network currently operates in 20 provinces of Turkey providing information about the EU locally and organizing communication activities and cultural events such as conferences, meetings, exhibitions and concerts.

At the kick of meeting, in his speech, TOBB Vice-President Halim Mete assessed the future of Turkey-EU relations and touched upon on the refugee crisis, visa liberalisation process and upgrade of the Customs Union.

In regards to the refugee crisis, TOBB Vice-President Mete emphasized on the importance of further enhancing cooperation between Turkey and the EU within the context of solidarity and burden-sharing. Explaining that the visa obligation is an important factor for the negative perception of the EU by Turkey, TOBB Vice-President Mete shared his wishes that this problem would be solved in 2016. He mentioned that Customs Union should be upgraded and stressed on the importance of accelerating Turkey’s EU accession process.

At the meeting, indicating that Turkey is sheltering now 2, 5 million Syrian refugees, Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, H.E. Hansjörg Haber praised Turkey’s humanitarian efforts. Regarding the visa liberalization process, Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey Haber stressed the importance for Turkey to deliver its commitments for the visas to be lifted in October 2016. He insisted that the visa liberalisation depends on the implementation of criteria and standards.

Pointing out that the terrorism is a common concern of Turkey and the EU, Undersecretary of the Ministryfor EU Affairs H.E. Mr Rauf Engin Soysal stressed on the importance of joining efforts to combat terrorism.