Turkey’s EU membership process and the activities carried out by IKV, which is marking its 50^th anniversary this year, were the main issues discussed at IKV’s iftar dinner hosted by IKV Chairman Ömer Cihad Vardan, which took place on 3 July 2015, with the participation of Turkey’s Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator H.E. Volkan Bozkır.

Undersecretary of the Ministry for EU Affairs Ambassador H.E. Rauf Engin Soysal; representatives of foreign missions including Ambassador of Romania in Ankara H.E. Radu Onofrei, Consul General of France Muriel Domenach, Consul General of Belgium Henri Vantieghem, Consul General of Spain Pablo Benavides Orgaz; Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Erdal Bahçıvan on behalf of IKV’s founding organizations; representatives from IKV’s trustees and supporting organizations; IKV’s former Chairman Davut Ökütçü and members of IKV’s Board of Directors and members of the press were among the many distinguished guests who attended the iftar dinner organized by IKV.

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator H.E. Volkan Bozkır, in his speech at IKV’s iftar dinner underscored that the 50 years of IKV’s existence coincide with an important period in Turkey’s relationship with the EU which has marked its 52^nd year. Emphasizing that there is no other country, whose membership process has taken as long as Turkey, Minister Bozkır indicated that this process has confirmed Turkey’s determination, tolerance and patience. Minister Bozkır argued that IKV has shown the same determination and patience in its activities and thanked IKV Chairman Vardan for his contribution.

Expressing his views on the recent political developments and Turkey’s EU accession negotiations, Minister for EU Affairs Bozkır stated that the 7 June general elections, confirmed the credibility and strength of Turkey’s democracy. Minister Bozkır argued that regardless of whichever party or coalition comes to power, EU membership will remain a strategic goal for Turkey. Talking about the benefits Turkey has derived throughout the EU accession process, Minister Bozkır stated that thanks to the EU accession process more than 2 thousand laws have been amended, important democratic reforms have been undertaken, the civil society has flourished and Turkey has advanced in the rule of law.

Minister Bozkır underscored that without increased cooperation with Turkey, the EU will not be able to deal with the pressing challenges it faces effectively such as the global economic problems, migration and regional instabilities. Indicating that radicalisation and terrorism constitute an imminent threat for the EU, Minister Bozkır argued that the most effective way to deal with this threat is through the opening up to new cultures, rather than turning inwards.  In this regard Minister Bozkır emphasized Turkey should be the EU’s closest partner and ally.

Following the speech of Turkey’s Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator H.E. Volkan Bozkır, Romanian Ambassador to Turkey Radu Onofrei in his speech stated that IKV’s iftar dinner is an indication of the commitment to Turkey’s EU membership process. In addition, Ambassador Onofrei highlighted Turkey’s important contribution to the EU thanks to its strong economy. During his speech, Ambassador Onofrei noted that Romania is one of the EU countries supporting Turkey’s EU membership and shared his strong belief that Turkey’s EU membership should happen in the near future. Referring the IKV’s 50^th Anniversary, Ambassador Onofrei also shared his wishes about using the term of “Turkey-EU” in front of IKV’s title in the near future.

In his speech, Ambassador Onofrei also stated that Turkey is one of countries with the most developed infrastructure in Europe and added that Turkey will contribute to the EU and region with its strong economy. In regards to Turkey’s role in the region of the Black Sea, Ambassador Onofrei mentioned the importance of the cooperation between Turkey and Romania within the framework of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Finally, Ambassador Onofrei in his speech noted that Turkey should take its rightful position in the EU as soon as possible.

IKV Chairman Ömer Cihad Vardan, delivered the opening speech at the iftar dinner. Informing the guests about the research activities, publications, projects and high-level events carried out by the foundation since he took over the Chairmanship of the IKV’s Board of Directos, Ömer Cihad Vardan stated that “Turkey’s EU Expert” IKV, which was founded in 1965, celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a high-level event on 9 May Europe Day with the participation of President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister for EU Affairs Volkan Bozkır. IKV Chairman Vardan also shared the key results obtained from the public opinion survey conducted by IKV regarding the support for EU membership and perceptions on the EU among the Turkish public.

During his speech, IKV Chairman Vardan gave detailed information about IKV’s priority work areas. Regarding the Turkey’s negotiation process with the EU, IKV Chairman Vardan underlined that IKV will continue to follow the latest developments on the ongoing  negotiations and to propose recommendations for overcoming obstacles in the negotiation process. Regarding the area of the Customs Union, TTIP and FTAs, IKV Chairman Vardan stated that in the process of the modernization of the Custom Union, requests and recommendations of the Turkish business world were transmitted to related official institutions both in Turkey and the EU. He added that “FTA Information and Capacity Building Centre” was launched by IKV in order to formulate opinions on the impacts of FTAs on Turkey. Furthermore, IKV Chairman Vardan emphasized that the Visa Liberalization and Readmission Agreement signed between Turkey and the EU is being followed closely and many activities were carried out by IKV in order to inform civil society and Turkish public about the EU.

IKV Chairman Vardan noted that IKV is an active institution in the Steering Committee of the C20 representing civil society under the Turkey’s G20 Presidency. He further stated that IKV contributes to prepare the agenda of the C20 and propose recommendations for the G20. He also underlined that IKV Vice-President Zeynep Bodur Okyay was appointed as the Chair of C20.

In his final remarks, IKV Chairman Vardan gave his thanks to the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Government, Ministry for EU Affairs, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, ISO President Erdal Bahçıvan, ITO President İbrahim Çağlar and IKV’s Founder, Trustees and Presidents of Supporters for their contributions to IKV’s activities. He ensured that IKV will continue to work for Turkey’s EU membership process with its clear determination.