IKV, in cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation organised a new meeting of the series of meeting entitled “New Perspectives: Latest Developments in Turkey-EU Relations” at Kocaeli University on 14 November 2016.

The opening remarks of the meeting were realised by IKV and Kocaeli Chamber of Industry Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. He reminded that Turkey-EU relations were going through a difficult period and that the 19^th Progress Report prepared by the European Commission was published last week. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu further indicated that as a result of the slowing down of Turkey’s EU accession negotiations, the progress reports are not more serving their original purpose of enhancing Turkey’s rapprochement with the EU. Nonetheless, he stressed that regardless of the current situation, Turkey still needs to focus on the EU which represents a core anchor in Turkish foreign policy.

Reminding that more than 40% of Turkey’s trade is realised with the EU and that it represents Turkey’s single largest trade partner and an important source of foreign direct investments, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that Turkey is currently the EU’s fifth largest trade partner.

Moreover, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also reminded that the most important criticisms towards Turkey within the framework of the last progress report were in the areas of fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary. In contrast with last year, the main difference was that this year, the report also indicated backslides in the economic criteria.

Furthermore, he stressed that an important period is awaiting Turkey with the process of modernisation of the Customs Union which would have direct effects upon the Turkish economy, helping to tackle current issues that the business community is faced with and creating new opportunities in that respect. He also added that the modernisation of the Customs Union along with the enlargement of its scope would help Turkey in enhancing its ranking with respect to the global value chains and that more trade would be to the benefit of all and would lead to the increase in the national wealth.

Following IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Kocaeli University Rector Prof. Sadettin Hülagü also shared his opening remarks with the participants. Indicating that relations with the West have always been a priority in Turkey’s foreign policy, Prof. Hülagü highlighted the critical importance in studying thoroughly Turkey’s relations with the West and particularly with the EU. In addition, Prof. Hülagü also reminded the words of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan which had underscored that the reforms performed within the framework of the EU accession process are made first and foremost in order to uplift the living standards of the Turkish people. Regardless of the fact that Turkey does eventually becoming an EU Member State, he stressed that it is of utmost importance for Turkey to be a country with strong democratic values and a prosperous economy.

Upon completion of the opening remarks, a panel was realised under the moderation of IKV Research Director Çisel İleri and composed of IKV Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, Kocaeli University International Relations Lecturer Assoc. Prof. İrfan Kaya Ülger, Marmara University EU Institute Chairman of the EU Policy and International Relations Department Assoc. Prof. Yonce Özer and Assoc. Prof. Selcen Öner from the Social Studies Institute at Bahçeşehir University. The latest developments in Turkey-EU relations, the possible effects of Brexit upon the EU and the perception and support towards the EU in Turkey were discussed at the panel.