IKV, Sabancı University, Istanbul Policy Center and German Institute for International and Security Affairs organised a meeting in Berlin on 23 June 2017. In the meeting where senior bureaucrats, experts and academicians attended, the latest developments in the economic and political relations of Turkey and the EU, prospects of improvement in terms of security cooperation and rising populist movements within the EU along with its effects upon the future of EU integration were thoroughly discussed.

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu realised an opening where he referred to the meeting which took place on 25 May between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and top EU officials. He indicated that the meeting opened a path in order to restore relations between the parties with new perspectives for further cooperation. Moreover, Zeytinoğlu underscored that issues such as the upcoming negotiations regarding the modernisation of the Customs Union, the completion of the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue, the continuation of refugee cooperation along with boosting mechanisms such as high level dialogues are of utmost importance to enhance existing relations and to develop them at a more significant level.

As such, Zeytinoğlu indicated that the extension of the Customs Union to areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement would contribute in an increase of growth of approximately 25% in terms of exports and 1.9% in terms of GDP.

Moreover, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu referred to the importance of completing the Visa Liberalisation process as soon as possible along with the negotiations pertaining to the modernisation of the Customs Union. He went on to explain that the visa requirement is not only a physical obstacle but also a psychological barrier as it undermines the Europeanisation process of Turkish citizens.  

Nonetheless, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu emphasised that along with these issues, the most important topic is the further improvement of accession negotiations and underlined the necessity to safeguard the full membership goal:

“The only thing which may ensure Turkey’s place within the framework of the EU decision-making process is full membership. Issues in bilateral relations, internal problems within the EU and growing populism have led to the loosening of the effect of the goal of full membership. However, getting rid of cyclical problems and boosting relations in line with the aim of full membership will lead to a win-win situation for both parties. In a period where the EU has been shattered as a result of the Brexit process, one can say that Turkey’s accession will strengthen the EU from the economic and political perspective and contribute positively to Turkey’s reform and development processes”.

Finally, Zeytinoğlu touched upon German-Turkish relations. Indicating that up to 3 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany, he stressed that this presence represents an important social and cultural bridge between the two countries. He pointed out that there are 96,000 Turkish entrepreneurs in Germany and these entrepreneurs provide employment to 500,000 people and he reminded that it contributes to the German economy with an annual turnover of approximately 50 billion euros. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also pointed out that with a total of 25 billion euros in terms of trade volume between the two countries, Germany represents the first recipient of Turkish exports with a ratio of 9.8 and he also underscored the important role played by German companies in Turkey which number above 6,800.

“Germany is a leading partner within the EU for us.  Currently, the restoration of our relations in economic, commercial and social terms will contribute in putting our relations to a healthier basis and enable further cooperation in common goals for both parties”.