Former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard passed away at the age of 85 on 2 July 2016. A leading figure of the French Socialist Party, Michel Rocard was at the head of the French Government during the period covering 1988 and 1991. Rocard had published a book entitled “Yes to Turkey (Oui a la Turquie)” in 2008 where he expressed his support for Turkey’s EU membership. In his book, Rocard argued that Turkey constituted a “life insurance” for the future of the EU. In that respect, Rocard stressed that Turkey could form a bridge between the Islamic World, the Central Asian Republics and the EU and that it is of critical importance for the EU from the geostrategic perspective. Rocard claimed that Turkey could become an EU member until 2023 as it would implement gradually EU norms into its legal framework.

Michel Rocard had participated as a speaker to a colloquium organised jointly between IKV and Yeditepe University. The colloquium entitled “Turkey’s EU Membership – Moving Beyond Fears” was held in Paris in cooperation with Paris Nanterre University on 12-13 March 2009. At the colloquium, Michel Rocard gave a presentation where he referred to Turkey’s role with respect to the EU’s historical sources and its future. Moreover, Rocard added that the lifting of customs constituted the basis of the EU. He further explained that an EU which has lifted customary obstacles and has established the euro as a single currency represented an economic integration process unprecedented in the world. Rocard highlighted that he believed Turkey’s rightful place should be within the framework of the EU.

Touching upon the Cyprus issue, Rocard indicated that the situation at that time in the island showed significant stalemate but also praised Turkey as having taken the necessary steps within the framework of the UN. Furthermore, he said that by voting “yes” in a referendum regarding the reunification of the island, the Turkish side had shown its willingness to find a long lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. Stressing that the solution in Cyprus would be a political decision, Rocard added that a solution to the Cyprus issue would represent a very important development with respect to Turkey’s EU accession process. Lastly referring to Turkey-France relations, Rocard highlighted that Turkey’s EU membership would be of critical importance to strengthen peace and stability in the neighbouring region.