IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made a statement following the European Council’s decision to reduce Turkey’s pre-accession funds. As stated by IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu, the decision was taken with political motives and reflects the EU’s dilemma over Turkey’s membership process. He continued as follows:

“According to the agreement reached between the Council and the EP regarding the EU’s 2018 budget, it was settled that the EU would cut 105 million euro from Turkey’s pre-accession funds and suspend an additional 70 million euro. This agreement is going to be finalised after the Council’s and EP’s formal approvals on 30 November 2017. As the main aim of this financial assistance is to prepare Turkey as a candidate country for the EU membership, it is clear that this budget cut will affect the pre-accession process negatively. During a period in which Turkey needs to progress in alignment with the EU values and standards most, even if it is limited, we are contemplating that the decision to reduce pre-accession assistance is an unfortunate development.”

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu remarked that the regression of Turkey’s vested rights during the EU accession period would lead to a negative perception, even if it is symbolic. He added that:

“Accession period has been progressing through the mutual commitments of the EU and Turkey. Hence, each development that causes any limitations on the foreseen framework and regressions would remove the parties from the accession aim. Although the cut in pre-accession assistance has no significant impact in reality, it might affect the process in a negative way both symbolically and psychologically.”

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu reminded that Turkey has used a very low percentage of the pre-accession funds yet, and continued his words as the following:

“With the impact of the deceleration in Turkey’s membership negotiations, it is seen that there is a delay in usage of the pre-accession funds. Only 360 million euro out of 4.45 billion euro has been disbursed to projects. The remaining funds from the period prior to 2014 are still being used. Therefore, the acceleration of the efficient usage of the EU pre-accession funds carries a great importance. Considering that there is approximately two-year period ahead and the presentation, approval and implementation period of the projects take a long time, it could be realised that there is a short time frame for these funds to be used.”

Ayhan Zeytinoğlu touched also upon the importance of keeping Turkey’s aim of membership alive, and he lastly expressed that:

“The reforms that were carried out in the beginning of the 2000’s to progress in the EU membership and to fulfil the necessary criteria have resulted in an increase in not only foreign investments in Turkey but also Turkey’s recognition and reputation at an international level. During this period in which Turkey has been having tough times in both within and beyond the borders, keeping the EU membership aim alive would make a positive impact to actualise the structural reforms and to achieve improvements regarding democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”