IKV, in collaboration with Marmara University Institute of European Studies, held a webinar titled "Current Developments in Turkey-EU Relations" on 3 May 2021, within the scope of the Europe Week activities. The opening speech of the webinar, which was moderated by IKV Vice Chairman and Marmara University Institute of European Studies Founding Director Halûk Kabaalioğlu and Deputy Secretary General M. Gökhan Kilit, was delivered by Marmara University Rector Prof. Erol Özvar. Referring to the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 and the origins of Europe Week, Rector Özvar provided a historical perspective of Turkey’s EU membership vision. Stating that the idea of joining the EU, which has been built on the basis of values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights and has emerged as an economic centre of attraction, has been one of the building blocks of Turkish foreign policy. 

Indicating that the tension in Turkey-EU relations has increased especially in the axis of drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean in the last 1.5 years, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı evaluated the European Council meeting held in March in light of the current developments. Stating that there no clear statements were made regarding the Eastern Mediterranean and the visa liberalisation process at the European Council meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Kaymakcı pointed out that the absence of a statement about Turkey's candidacy is problematic and contradictory with Turkey's membership perspective.

Stating that the modernisation of the Customs Union, which could contribute to the post-pandemic recovery of both the EU and Turkey, was undermined by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration and that new conditions were imposed on Turkey in this regard. Kaymakcı also pointed to the increased financial burden as due to the fact that visa liberalisation has not materialised and said that the six remaining benchmarks should be fulfilled as soon as possible. Kaymakcı stated that although no difficult decisions were taken at the Council meeting  on migration and refugees, the parties were not on the same page yet because, unlike the EU, Turkey aimed for a more comprehensive cooperation including the six areas in the 18 March Turkey-EU Statement. 

Analysing the balance sheet regarding the implementation of the Turkey-EU Statement by both sides, Kaymakcı said that Turkey, which hosts 3.7 million Syrians and has a stemming rate of approximately 92%, has kept its promises. He went on to say that the EU on the other hand, has failed to deliver on its promises especially regarding the voluntary humanitarian admission scheme and supporting a liveable environment Syria. Underlining that the six parameters of the 18 March Statement and high-level dialogue mechanisms should be revived for improving Turkey-EU relations, Kaymakcı said that the EU had three options to continue its engagement with Turkey. It could either follow the claims by Greece and Greek Cypriot Administration and continue its relations with Turkey along a confrontational path, alternatively it could engage in a sincere and an equitable basis with Turkey or it could remain indecisive. Deputy Foreign Minister Kaymakcı ended his speech by celebrating the Ramadan month and Europe Week of the audience. The webinar ended with a question and answer session.