IKV organised a conference in collaboration with the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) under the theme “Supply Chains and Transport Corridors: Towards Greater Connectivity” on 22 November 2024. At the conference, attention was drawn to the 'Middle Corridor', which has become increasingly important in terms of Asia-Europe transportation corridors after Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and what needs to be done to use this line more effectively. Türkiye's important role in Europe's transport, energy and supply chains was emphasised and it was stated that Türkiye constitutes one of the most important elements of Türkiye-EU relations. In addition to Türkiye, the position of the countries in the region, which constitute important points of the Middle Corridor, was also discussed, and the problems and challenges for the effective use of the Middle Corridor were discussed.

The welcoming speeches were delivered by IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu and ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye. In his speech, IKV Chairperson Zeytinoğlu underlined that today's complex challenges require Türkiye and the EU to work together to develop common approaches and common solutions to problems. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu emphasised that Türkiye and the EU should intensify their relations in order to both shape the strategic future of continental Europe and ensure its security, and that this can be achieved by rebuilding trust and restoring institutional and structural dialogue. “Revitalising the accession process should be a common goal for both sides because EU enlargement cannot be coherent without Türkiye,” Chairperson Zeytinoğlu concluded.

The opening speeches of the conference were delivered by Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Türkiye to the EU Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, Head of the Mission of Kazakhstan to the EU and NATO Ambassador Margulan B. Baimukhan and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov.

Ambassador Kaymakcı emphasised the crucial role of the Trans-Caspian Corridor in linking Europe and Asia, highlighting Türkiye’s strategic position as a country bordering both the Black and Mediterranean Seas and its significant investments over the past 20 years to strengthen Euro-Asian connectivity. Ambassador Kaymakcı stressed that Türkiye is geographically closer to Europe than both Cyprus and Georgia, urging Europe not to exclude Türkiye from connectivity projects. Ambassador Kaymakcı underlined Türkiye’s pivotal role in developing the Middle Corridor and drew attention to the quota and visa challenges Turkish transporters face in EU countries. Kaymakcı also highlighted the importance of joint investments in digitalising border crossings and improving processes. Furthermore, he noted that Türkiye has invested 250 billion euros to enhance its transportation links with the EU and is prepared for additional investments. Stressing that the EU and other stakeholders must also contribute, Ambassador Kaymakcı highlighted the significance of including Türkiye in Middle Corridor projects.

Following these speeches, the conference proceeded to its panel sessions. The first panel, moderated by ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, was titled “Resilience and Connectivity of the European Union in Terms of Transport and Supply Chains.” The speakers included Türkiye's former Ambassador to Qatar and the OECD, Mithat Rende; Hors Classe Adviser at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the European Commission, Henrik Hololei; and Roving Ambassador of Finland for Central Asia, Ikka Raisänen. This session covered topics such as enhancing the EU’s transport infrastructure, developing critical transport corridors, bolstering supply chain resilience, promoting sustainable and digital transport solutions, strengthening global connectivity, and the role of strategic partnerships.

The second panel, titled “Supply Chains and Transport Corridors: Türkiye as a Hub”, was moderated by IKV Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas. The panellists were the Head of the Project and Director of the Board for Projects at Rhenus Group Heinrich Kerstgens, ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye and Vice Chairperson for the Executive Committee at International Transporters' Association (UND) Evren Bingöl. Discussions focused on Türkiye’s central role in supply chains and transport corridors due to its strategic location, the enhancement of its logistics infrastructure, digitalisation and sustainable transport solutions, improvements in border-crossing processes, and boosting global trade competitiveness through Türkiye-EU cooperation.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where the speakers addressed the participants’ questions.