The sixth seminar of IKV’s project entitled “New Perspectives in Turkey-EU relations” was held on 24 November 2016 in Brussels. The seminar which was entitled “A Balancing Act: Turkey-EU Relations and the Economy” consisted of two panels and moderated by Barçın Yinanç from Hürriyet Daily News.

In the first panel, SWP Berlin Senior Fellow Günther Seufertand Ankara University Lecturer Prof. Sanem Baykal discussed the latest developments in Turkey-EU relations and the need for further efforts to overcome the existing difficulties in relations. Seufert mentioned that Turkey and the EU shall continue to work together especially in the areas where common interests of both parties prevails. Prof. Baykal emphasised that common values are as important as the common interests. She also added that the Ankara Agreement has envisaged integration between Turkey and the EU and for that purpose a customs union was established instead of a trade agreement.

Intervening in the second panel, İKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, explained that the Turkish economy performed relatively well and was successful in fulfilling the Maastricht criteria compared to many other Member States. As for Director of EDAM Sinan Ülgen, he emphasised that the revision of the Customs Union will create a win-win situation for both Turkey and EU. Furthermore, he raised the question and the need for more clarification regarding the fifth article of the European Parliament’s resolution of 24 November 2016 with respect to the upgrading of the Customs Union. IPC-Stiftung Mercator Senior Fellow Ioannis N. Grigoriadis, pointed out to the strong economic ties between Turkey and EU whereas European Commission DG Trade Coordinator on Turkey Alfio Anzalone gave brief information regarding the preparations of the Commission on the revision of the Turkey-EU Customs Union.