IKV celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special event held in Istanbul on 13 January 2026. The event was attended by former EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ambassador Volkan Bozkır, IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, members of the IKV Management and Supervisory Board, representatives of the foundation's Board of Trustees and Supporting Institutions, former presidents of the IKV, representatives of the consulates and missions of EU member states, foundation experts and employees.

The opening speech of the evening was delivered by IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu stated that with its 60-year history, the IKV is a reference institution in Türkiye regarding the EU process and expressed his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the foundation to date.

Chairperson Zeytinoğlu recalled that the Foundation was established immediately after the Ankara Agreement, thanks to the visionary initiative of the İstanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) and the İstanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO). Chairperson Zeytinoğlu highlighted the key role that the Foundation has played since that day at critical junctures such as the customs union, the candidacy process and negotiations. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu emphasised that even during periods of stagnation in relations, they continued to seek solutions in areas such as the Green Deal, the digital agenda and visa liberalisation without succumbing to despair. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu stated that building bridges is more important than ever in today's world, which is experiencing developments such as wars, the climate crisis and the undermining of the rules-based order. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu stated that the Turkish business world supports European integration and called for the removal of artificial barriers to Türkiye's EU membership.

Speaking at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the IKV, former EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ambassador Volkan Bozkır thanked the IKV for its contributions to Türkiye-EU relations with its experience spanning more than half a century. Referring to the intense period of diplomacy during his tenure as Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Bozkır highlighted Türkiye's speed and determination in aligning with the EU acquis during that process. In his speech, Ambassador Bozkır underlined that the EU perspective still holds strategic value for Türkiye, emphasising that despite temporary difficulties, the main goal should remain unchanged and that this goal is undoubtedly full membership.

During the event, a cake was cut to mark the 60th anniversary of the Foundation’s establishment.

The IKV was established on 26 November 1965 as a research organisation to guide Türkiye's relations with the European Economic Community, thanks to the visionary initiatives of Behçet Osmanağaoğlu, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and Fazıl Zobu, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry. Built on the solid foundations laid 60 years ago by the forward-thinking leaders of our business world, our Foundation continues its work with determination today under the leadership of our Board of Directors and our Chairperson, Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. IKV continues on its path with the same enthusiasm and determination as on its first day, drawing strength from its trustees and supporting institutions, primarily the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and our founding chambers, İTO and İSO, as well as the Turkish Banks Association, TİSK, TÜSİAD, TİM and the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry.