IKV, in cooperation with  TOBB and the European Stability Initiative (ESI), organised a panel entitled “Road to Visa-Free Travel for Turkish Nationals: Problems and Prospects” on  4 May 2015 at TOBB Twin Towers Social Facilities MNOP’s Şefik Tokat Meeting Room in Ankara. All dimensions of the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation Dialogue were discussed at the panel.

The opening speeches were made by TOBB EU Department Chairman Mustafa Bayburtlu and IKV Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas. ESI Senior Analyst Alexandra Stiglmayer ensured the moderation of the panel. IKV Deputy Secretary General and Research Director Melih Özsöz, ESI Chairman Gerald Knaus and Kasia Lach from the EU Delegation in Turkey made presentations where the legal, political, economic and human dimensions of the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation Dialogue were explored. Furthermore, updates were given in the latest developments as regards negotiations of the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation Dialogue. Following the presentations, high level officials from ministries, scholars, representatives of civil society organisations and of EU Member States missions shared their questions and views with the panel. The panel began by giving historical background on the visa liberalisation dialogue and proceed with the latest developments and ongoing issues in that respect.

Historical Background

As regards the historical background, it was mentioned that the EU did not have a visa requirements towards Turkish citizens before 1980. The first visa requirement of an EU Member State began in 1980 with the Federal Republic of Germany. Furthermore, it was added that the visa requirements were maintained following the entry into force of the Customs Union in 1996. In that respect, two important cases at the European Court of Justice such as the Demirel and Demirkan case were mentioned along with a total of 55 cases as regards this particular issue.

Latest Developments in the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue

It was stressed at the panel that negotiations should not lose impetus in 2015 and that it was still possible for visa liberalisation negotiations to be completed in 2017. Furthermore, it was pointed out that, contrary to accession negotiations, visa liberalisation negotiations did not require the unanimity of all 28 Member States, as shown by the Moldova example. Other successful examples of visa liberalisation dialogue were also indicated. The panel acknowledged that the Syrian refugee crisis constitutes an important issue within the framework of the visa liberalisation dialogue. As it is known, according to the Frontex annual report, 37,220 refugees entered the EU through Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean area) which makes up the largest number of refugees entering the EU. It was further indicated that Turkey prevented about 13,000 illegal immigrants from entering Greece. It was explained that Turkey has shown a successful approach as regards the Syrian refugee crisis through its open door policy which has not been sufficiently explained to the EU public opinion. It was stressed that the burden should be shared both by Turkey and the EU in that respect. The speakers underlined the importance to emphasise three main issues as regards the visa liberalisation dialogue. Those are respectively, data protection, fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey and the implementation of the readmission agreement with EU countries.

It was further stressed that it is of utmost importance that all criteria included in the Visa Liberalisation Roadmap are fully complied with. Moreover, it was especially indicated that the proper implementation of the readmission system is an essential benchmark. As regards the readmission issue, it was underlined that above the technical criteria, its successful implementation lies in fruitful cooperation between EU Member States, EU institutions and Turkey. In that particular area, it was underscored that Turkey should strive at showing a better performance, thus positively contributing to the future of the visa liberalisation dialogue.

Economic Dimension of the Visa Issue

The economic burden of the visa issue upon parties was among the main topics that were discussed as regards the economic dimension. As such, it was stressed that the Turkish passport is still currently the most expensive passport after the TRNC passport. Moreover, it was indicated that Turkish citizens had paid a total of 235.6 million euros in 2014 as regards visa obligations. In contrast, it was further underlined that additional payments such as intermediary institutions service fee, PIN code fee, bank commission, insurance cost and transportation and accommodation costs are also required. In addition, it was revealed that Turkey is the fifth country to apply the most to the C type Schengen visa.

Questions & Answers and Opinions

In the last part of the event was the questions and answers session where high level officials from ministries, academicians, representatives from civil society organisations and EU Member States shared their questions and thoughts as regards the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation Dialogue. It was especially stressed that for the process to continue smoothly, it was of utmost importance that a positive breakthrough materialises and that parties ought to share the burden of the negotiations. Moreover, it was further indicated that in light of such calls, Turkey’s civil society organisations should work with the relevant parties and that EU decision makers should be convinced of the necessity to move forward in the process.

In the last segment of the panel, the conformity of the newly drafted Data Protection Law that is waiting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and that is scheduled to be discussed following the 2015 General Elections with the EU Acquis was among the topics that were discussed. Moreover, it was pointed out that the issue of data protection had been among the most difficult topics in past visa liberalisation negotiations. Furthermore, the creation of a control mechanism which is included within the framework of the Data Protection Law had also been discussed. In that particular point, it was further reminded of the necessity to check the smooth implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. Another important topic that has been discussed at the Q&A session was that the Visa Liberalisation Roadmap and the Annotated Roadmap prepared by the European Commission, as well as the Turkey-EU Readmission Agreement, all are binding as regards international law.

Finally, it was stressed that for the visa liberalisation dialogue to continue effectively, it is of utmost importance to organise a sound and comprehensive communication policy and to convince decision makers of the necessity to move forward in the process. Furthermore, it was explained that IPA funds constitute an important tool of the process from the financial perspective.