IKV’s Trustee Organisations:

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ISSUE: 41 JUNE-JULY 2018 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] THE AUSTRIAN EU PRESIDENCY AND PROSPECTS FOR -EU RELATIONS As Austria has assumed the rotating six-month presidency of the EU on 1 July 2018, Turkey expects to have “minimum dialogue” with the new term president.

Çisel İLERİ, its goals and priorities for the next six IKV Research Director months, it is very striking that Turkey as an EU accession country was not ustria took over the rotating even mentioned once. As many of Apresidency of the Council of the the readers may recall prior to the EU in a symbolic handover ceremony Turkey-EU Summit on 26 March, which in Schladming with the attendance of brought President Erdoğan and the European Council President Donald heads of EU institutions together, the Tusk, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has Borissov and Austrian Chancellor claimed that Turkey no longer fulfils Sebastian Kurz. Austria, which has the Copenhagen political criteria and assumed the EU presidency for the therefore EU accession negotiations third time after 1998 and 2006, has with Turkey shall be suspended. chosen the motto “A Europe that Lately, the Austrian Foreign Minister protects”. Karin Kneissl made the position of The Austrian Presidency in the her country vis-à-vis Turkey very clear second half of 2018 has to work on by stating that they do not perceive prevailing complex dossiers, namely Turkey as an EU candidate country. negotiations regarding Brexit and In the face of this attitude, Turkish regarding the Multi-Annual Financial Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Framework for the period 2021- took a realistic approach and said that 2027. Another important aspect for he did not think that any positive steps the work of the Austrian Presidency were going to be taken during the concerns the EP elections that will take Austrian Presidency and did not expect place on 23-26 May 2019. Since EP’s any new negotiation chapters to be legislative period is coming to end, it opened. will be essential to reach agreements It seems that Austria does not on as many open legislative proposals want to deal with any issues related as possible. Therefore, the Austrian to the Turkey within its six month Council Presidency has to work on term at the EU’s helm. However, the reaching common positions in the attitude of the Austrian government Council on legislative proposals. overshadows the EU-wide leadership The priorities of the programme perspective, digitalisation from the Guard Agency (FRONTEX), in order to and renewing industrial policy. ambitions of Chancellor Sebastian of the Austrian Presidency were perspective of securing prosperity and guarantee the efficient protection of Regarding the third priority, the Kurz who constantly emphasises EU’s announced as follows: Security and competitiveness while considering the EU’s external borders. Austria plans Austrian Presidency undertook the task values. On the other hand, Turkey fight against illegal migration; securing only the Balkan countries as part of EU host a special summit in Salzburg on of advocating developing a concrete with its new governing system shall prosperity and competitiveness enlargement policy. 20 September 2018, in order to deal EU perspective for all Western Balkan/ reinitiate the reform process in order through digitalisation and stability in It was not surprising that a with these issues. South Eastern European countries to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria. The the neighbourhood – bringing the special emphasis was put on security A considerable share of growth based on clear criteria relating to their objections of the Austrian government Western Balkans/South Eastern Europe and fight against illegal migration in the EU can already be attributed to individual performance and work on are not new for Turkey. Turkey had closer to the EU. by the Austrian Presidency. As the digital economy. Therefore, the achieving measurable progress. faced similar objections from Vienna one would recall, at the European Austrian Presidency considers that when the decision regarding the start “A Europe that Protects” and the Council meeting, which took place with an intelligent policy of digital The Missing Item in the of EU accession negotiations was Priorities of Austrian EU Presidency a few days before Austria took over transformation, it will be possible Programme of the Austrian EU taken. At that time, Turkey overcame It is clear that the motto of the the EU Presidency, one of the most to safeguard the competitiveness Presidency: Turkey those obstacles with its ambitious presidency “a Europe that protects” controversial issues was immigration, and sustainability of the European While the Austrian Presidency reform process which showed reflects the essence of the priorities and it took a great deal to reach final economy in the future. In order to is referring to development of Turkey’s determination to become and the working programme of settlement among Member States. improve framework conditions for relations with many countries and an EU Member State. It seems that Austria adequately. While preparing Thus, Austria aims to channel its efforts digital business models and services regions ranging from Russia to our previous experiences already the programme, the Austrian to reform the Common European Austria suggested completing the ASEAN countries, from the Caribbean provide the answer for Turkey’s EU bid, government preferred to approach Asylum System as well as strengthen Digital Single Market, modernising to Latin American countries, in its irrespective of whether Austria holds the migration issue from a security the European Border and Coast public administration on a broad scale 70-page programme, which sets out the EU presidency or not.

ISSUE 41 . June-July 2018  19 65 19 65 19 5 1965 1 1965 www.ikv.org.tr ISSUE: 41 JUNE-JULY 2018 6 2018 9 65 2018 IKV AGENDA TIMELINE 1 “THE NEW GOVERNMENT’S FIRST ACTION SHOULD 2 BE TO TAKE A STEP TOWARDS THE EU”

n a statement concerning the EU has maintained this stance on this following remarks: “The modernisation of 3

Iconclusions adopted by the General issue since the end of 2016. In all the the Customs Union, which has been in Affairs Council on enlargement on meetings we hold in the Member States place since 1996, is an issue that needs 4 26 June 2018, IKV Chairman Ayhan or Brussels, we, as IKV emphasise that it to be addressed urgently. Regarding Zeytinoğlu made the following remarks: was the EU’s inability to provide a credible this, the EU has been exercising political “Nowadays, the EU is at a crossroads. On membership perspective to Turkey which conditionality and the Commission has 5 the one hand, there is a conflict between has brought the relations to this point. not been mandated by the Council to the Member States over migration and Turkey should also take steps in order to launch the negotiations. Given that the 6 asylum, on the other hand the reform break the deadlock in its relations with negotiations are likely to take a year efforts towards how the EU will take shape the EU. We are aware of the security issues or two, the process should be started following Brexit have accelerated. Beside our country is facing. We hope that the without further delay. This is a must for the 7 these, the EU has also strengthened the new government under the leadership Customs Union relationship to continue European perspective of the Western of our President, who has received in a sound way and to be extended to 8 Balkan countries. For Serbia and strong powers from the public, will take cover new areas such as agricultural Montenegro, 2025 has been pronounced the necessary steps to revitalise the EU products and services. This process will as an accession date, while Albania and accession process as soon as possible. We not only benefit Turkey, but also the 9 Macedonia are set to begin accession talks wish for the state of emergency to come companies in the EU. Moreover, through in June 2019. These mean that the EU is to an end and for the economic and a positive agenda, the modernisation 10 moving forward. Therefore, Turkey should political reforms to be brought back into of the Customs Union could create the also take the steps to revitalise the EU was also discussed at length. The need was stated that the accession negotiations the agenda as soon as possible.” necessary momentum for advancing the accession process without further delay. to continue relations with Turkey and were at an impasse and the opening of Concerning the statement that the Turkey-EU relationship. Our expectation 11 During the General Affairs Council strengthen cooperation in areas such as new chapters or launch of negotiations negotiations aimed at the modernisation from the EU is to launch this process meeting, which was convened with migration, security and the fight against for the modernisation of the Customs of the Customs Union were not being without further delay, rather than using it 12 enlargement on the agenda, Turkey terrorism were emphasised. However, it Union were not being considered. The considered, IKV Chairman made the as a restrictive measure against Turkey.” 13

“THE FIRST OBJECTIVE IN THE POST-STATE OF EMERGENCY 14

TERM SHOULD BE THE EU PROCESS” 15

n 19 June 2018, IKV Chairman years, will be expired. Security the Council of Europe, of which we foreign direct investment from the Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made precautions may be taken within are a member, has come up with a EU countries, preference for new O 16 a statement following the the period of three years in order positive statement concerning the production operations in Turkey announcement that the state to prevent any vulnerability in expiration of state of emergency, influences stability, democratic 17 of emergency would not be the fight against terrorism in the shows that there are encouraging freedom and significantly affects extended. Chairman Zeytinoğlu post-state of emergency period. signals to regain the ground we the country by the establishment underscored that the expiration of However, with the expiration of have lost with Europe.” of the rule of law. EU anchor has a 18 emergency rule could bring about the state of emergency, Turkey can Chairman Zeytinoğlu also referred vital importance in terms of Turkey’s a new momentum in Turkey’s achieve progress in various areas to Turkey’s close trade and progress in all areas. We hope that 19 relations with the EU, and stated: in which it was criticised by the EU. investment relations with Europe during the post-state of emergency “It has been announced that the It is now possible to speed up the and noting the significance of period, a suitable environment for state of emergency, which has reform process in the political and the EU anchor for the economy, the revitalisation of the EU process 20 been ongoing during the last two economic context. The fact that stated: “In particular, the arrival of will emerge.” 21

22 TURKEY - EU JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 23 CONVENED AT TOBB

urkey - EU Joint Consultative Kahveci, President of the Union 24

TCommittee (JCC) Turkey of Chambers and Commodity wing; Chairman of the HAK Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) M. Rifat 25 - Confederation of Trade Unionists Hisarcıklıoğlu and Chairman of (HAK-İŞ) Mahmut Arslan, Chairman the Turkish Union of Chambers of of the Confederation of Public Agriculture (TZOB) Şemsi Bayraktar, 26 Servants’ Trade Unions (MEMUR- convened at TOBB on 27 June 2018. SEN) Ali Yalçın, Chairman of During the meeting, Turkey-EU JCC 27 the Confederation of Turkish Turkey wing discussed the ongoing Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) activities and exchanged views Bendevi Palandöken, President on the current developments. The 28 of the Confederation of Turkish meeting was also attended by Issue 25 • December 2016 3 Trade Unions (Türk-İş) Ergun TOBB Secretary General Mustafa 29 Atalay, Turkish Confederation Saraçöz, HAK-İŞ Secretary General of Employer Associations (TİSK) Osman Yıldız, Türk-İş Organisational Executive Board Member Erhan Secretary General Eyüp Alemdar, 30 Polat, President of the Public TEPAV Director Güven Sak and Workers Unions Confederation of TOBB’s Head of EU Department 31 Turkey (Türkiye Kamu-Sen) Önder Mustafa Bayburtlu.

 ISSUE 41 . June-July 2018

19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 2018 IKV AGENDA TIMELINE JUNE-JULY 2018 1 IKV participated in the EU IKV PRESS STATEMENT ON 2 Information Centres Network Coordination Meeting. 32 24 JUNE ELECTION RESULTS 4 e hope that the results of the 53 Welection, which has a very 6 IKV organised a seminar high turnout, at almost 90 percent, 7 entitled “What Does GDPR will be good for the entire Turkish 4 Bring for the EU and nation. This election, which is the first 8 Turkey?”. election after Turkey’s transition to the 95 presidential system, has demonstrated 10 the democratic maturity of Turkey. The representation of the different colours of Leaders inaugurated TANAP 116 the political environment in the Turkish gas pipeline project. 12 IKV published a brief note Grand National Assembly will be positive progress to uphold the rule of law to problems in the economy and speeding 13 on the EU-Western Balkans be made. up development, it is essential for the 7 Sofia Summit. in terms of democratic pluralism. 14 In the new period, we expect We are going through a fragile EU anchor to be valid and to return the necessary steps to revitalise the international environment, in which to reforms in order to ensure the flow 158 EU process- an important anchor for the world’s balances are shifting; trade of international capital in Turkey. In 16 our country- to be taken, the state wars are affecting global production addition to a strong executive, we hope 17 of emergency to come to an end, and consumption trends, and conflict for the consolidation of an effective 9 structural reforms to be accelerated, and instability are going on in our close legislature and an independent judiciary 18 and in the political sphere the necessary proximity. In terms of overcoming the in Turkey in this new era. 1910 20 21 The IKV panel entitled “EU IKV CHAIRMAN COMMENTED ON THE LATEST 11 Enlargement and Reform 22 Agenda: The Outcomes for DEVELOPMENTS ON THE VISA ISSUE Snap elections were held in 2312 Turkey and Balkans” took Turkey. 24 place in Vienna. KV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu negotiations for this agreement. The The General Affairs Council 2513 Icommented on the European agreement will be concluded between adopted conclusions on Turkey. 26 Parliament’s approval of the European Turkey and the EU and it will allow the 27 Members of the Turkey-EU Travel Information and Authorisation exchange of personal data to combat 14 JCC Turkey wing convened EU leaders met in Brussels to 28 System (ETIAS) and the visa large-scale crime and terrorism. at TOBB discuss migration, defence, . liberalisation process: One of the most important 2915 “First of all, the subject which issues here is the EP’s insistence on jobs and growth. 30 will be put into vote today by the EP data exchange with the Greek Cypriot Austria assumed the 1 concerns the Turkish citizens as well. A Administration of Southern Cyprus 16 new system, known as ‘ETIAS’, is set to (GCASC). Another important criterion EU Presidency. 2 come into effect in 2021. Under ETIAS, on visa liberalisation was ensuring 3 IKV published a brief note all passengers that will be traveling 70 years of age will be exempted. This cooperation in criminal matters between 17 4 on the EU’s FTAs with to the EU without a visa will be required system will be valid not only for Turkish Turkey and the EU Member States. GCASC EP approved 500 million Australia and New Zealand. to register via the internet. Accordingly, citizens but also for all citizens who can being an EU member, representing the euros for schooling of 185 Turkish citizens holding green and grey enter the EU without a visa. In case there whole island constitutes a problem from refugee children in Turkey. 6 passports, who can enter the Schengen are suspicions over the enrolee, the the point of Turkey. In its report, the EP 7 zone without a visa, will also have to application may be rejected. However, puts emphasis on respect for fundamental 19 President Erdoğan unveiled register within ETIAS beforehand. While there is a right to appeal against this rights and paying attention to data 8 the new cabinet. registering to this system, along with decision. Following the approval of the security conditions while exchanging 209 IKV published a brief note giving information on birth date and EP and the Council, the legal process will data with Turkey and demands a detailed President Erdoğan visited 10 on the Commission’s new gender, information concerning whether proceed.” impact analysis from the Commission. Azerbaijan and TRNC. proposal on consumer 11 protection. one has a criminal record or has been IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu While acknowledging the importance of NATO Summit was held in 21 present in a war zone are also required. continued his words as follows: “One of these issues, we believe that requesting Brussels. 12 An IKV delegation led In exchange for a 7 euro fee, it is planned the criteria to be fulfilled by Turkey to sharing data with Turkey for the EU’s 1322 by Chairman Zeytinoğlu that the registrations made in the system obtain visa liberalisation was to sign an security while subjecting Turkey to strict visited Chamber of 14 Commerce Chairman Şekib will be valid for 3 years and those younger operational agreement with EUROPOL. rules for sharing data for its own security Avdagiç. than 18 years of age and older than The EP gave its approval for launching creates double standards in practice.” 1523 16 1724 IKV CHAIRMAN VISITED ISTANBUL The Turkish government lifted 18 the state of emergency. 1925 The IKV panel entitled “The 20 US’ Global Role and Its CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Relations with the EU: Crisis 2126 or Reconstruction?” took he IKV delegation led by 22 place in Istanbul. TChairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Secretary General Assoc. Prof. 2327 Çiğdem Nas, Research Director 24 Çisel İleri and Strategy and Business President Erdoğan travelled to 2528 Development Director Gökhan Johannesburg to attend the Kilit visited Istanbul Chamber 26 BRICS Leaders’ Summit. Issue 25 • December 2016 3 of Commerce (ICOC) President 2729 Şekib Avdagiç on 12 July 2018. 28 During the visit, which was also 29 attended by ICOC Vice-President 30 Dursun Topcu, the IKV delegation 30 wished success to the new ICOC took office in April and discussed cooperation between the two 31 31 chairman and administration that potential opportunities for further institutions.

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19 65 19 65 1 5 1965 1 1965 www.ikv.org.tr ISSUE: 41 JUNE-JULY 2018 9 6 2018 9 65 2018

IKV AGENDA IKV DISCUSSED TURKEY-EU RELATIONS IN VIENNA

n 21 June 2018, IKV organised a relations in light of the debate on the Opanel entitled “EU Enlargement future of the EU. During the panel, and Reform Agenda: The Outcomes it was emphasised that Turkey has for Turkey and Balkans” in cooperation achieved significant gains through with the Austrian Institute for its EU membership process and International Affairs, within the scope that the civil society has improved of the “EU Presidencies and Turkey” greatly. While drawing attention to project. The opening speech of the the fact that the EU’s approach to panel was delivered by Turkey’s Turkey has been functional recently, Ambassador to Austria Mehmet panellists highlighted that bilateral Ferden Çarıkcı. The panel session, relations have proved to be quite which was moderated by the durable in the long term. Panellists Vice-President Austrian Institute for referred to the importance of the International Affairs Cengiz Günay, modernisation of the Customs Union included Head of Department for for the sustainability of a relationship Southeast Europe and EU Enlargement based on rules in the short term and in the Austrian Federal Ministry for Eralp, Director of Ankara University’s Senior Fellow, Prof. Atila Eralp and IKV Following a brief introduction by underscored that Turkey needed to Europe, Klaus Wölfer, Director of EU Research Centre, Prof. Sanem Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Assoc. Prof. Nas, panellists discussed preserve the ultimate objective of EU TEPAV’s EU Institute, Nilgün Arısan Baykal, Mercator Istanbul Policy Centre Nas as speakers. the state of play in Turkey-EU membership. TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS DELIBERATED AT IKV PANEL

KV organised a panel entitled Dr. Pınar Artıran from Istanbul I“The US’ Global Role and Its Bilgi University, Nihat Ali Özcan Relations with the EU: Crisis from TEPAV and Assoc. Prof. or Reconstruction?” on 19 July Aylin Ünver Noi from Istinye 2018. University discussed the future Following IKV Chairman Ayhan of the transatlantic relationship Zeytinoğlu’s opening remarks, in the light of the trade wars, prominent speakers including the NATO Summit and the Putin- TEPAV Multilateral Trade Trump meeting in the panel Studies Center Director, retired session moderated by IKV Vice- Ambassador Bozkurt Aran, President Halûk Kabaalioğlu.

EU’S NEW GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION DISCUSSED AT IKV SEMINAR he seminar entitled Arning from Turkish German provisions of the GDPR T“What Does General University, Managing and its possible impact on Data Protection Regulation Partner of Muhtaranlar companies, the speakers (GDPR) Bring for the EU Attorney Partnership Gökhan compared the KVKK to and Turkey?” was organised Muhtaranlar and the Head GDPR and highlighted the by IKV in association with of Law Department at the differences between the two. Muhtaranlar Attorney Personal Data Protection They also underscored that Partnership on 6 June Authority Demet Arslaner ensuring KVKK’s compliance 2018. During the seminar Keklikkıran discussed Turkey’s to GDPR was among the 72 moderated by IKV Research Personal Data Protection Law criteria Turkey needed to Director Çisel İleri, Assoc. (KVKK) and GDPR. Following fulfil in order to obtain visa Prof. Marian Alexander an in-depth analysis of the liberalisation. IKV PARTICIPATED IN THE EU INFORMATION CENTRES NETWORK COORDINATION MEETING

KV Secretary General Assoc. Turkey Ambassador Christian IProf. Çiğdem Nas and EU Berger assessed the latest Information Centre Coordinator developments in Turkey-EU and Press Officer Mehmet relations for EU Information Poyrazlı participated in the EU Centre coordinators and the Information Centres Network secretaries general of the Coordination Meeting which institutions hosting these was jointly organised by the centres. Ambassador Berger EU Delegation to Turkey and expressed his gratitude to the TOBB on 31 May-1 June 2018 host institutions for their work in Ankara. During the meeting, aimed at improving Turkey-EU Head of EU Delegation to relations.

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TURKEY-EU WATCH INCUMBENT PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN WINS RE-ELECTION IN 24 JUNE SNAP ELECTIONS The 24 June elections have marked the beginning of an executive presidential system in Turkey.

urkish voters went to the polls People’s Alliance Recep Tayyip Commissioner for European Ton 24 June 2018 to elect the Erdoğan won a 52.6 percent Neighbourhood and Enlargement first president and parliament share of the national vote, while Negotiations Johannes Hahn, in members of the new presidential the main opposition candidate a joint statement on the election system. Although the elections were Muharrem İnce, member of results, stated that the elections initially planned for November 2019, Republican People’s Party had seen a very high voter turnout Turkish authorities decided to bring (CHP), got 30.6 percent. As the which was a reaffirmation of the the parliamentary and presidential triumphant of the presidential strong attachment of the Turkish elections forward to 24 June. The race, Erdoğan has become the first people to democracy. Even though constitutional amendments which president under the new executive the broad spectrum of candidates were approved by 51.36 percent presidency system. The People’s and parties competing in the in the referendum held on 16 April Alliance, formed by Justice and elections was praised, Mogherini 2017, had set up the legal ground Development Party (AKP) and and Hahn reminded that the for a switch from parliamentary Nationalist Action Party (MHP) won elections were held under the system to a presidential one. 344 parliamentary seats out of 600. state of emergency. In addition, According to the official The Nation’s Alliance including CHP, votes. Peoples’ Democratic Party parliament. it was recommended that the results announced by the Supreme İyi Party and Felicity Party (SP), on (HDP) exceeded the threshold of High Representative of the new political system address key Election Council, incumbent the other hand, obtained 189 seats 10 percent with 11.7 percent of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security shortcomings regarding the rule of President and candidate of the after receiving 34 percent of the the votes and won 67 seats in the Policy Federica Mogherini and law and fundamental rights.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN UNVEILED TURKEY’S NEW CABINET

resident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the - Foreign Minister: Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Pnew ministers of his cabinet hours after he was - Energy and Natural Resources Minister: Fatih sworn into office on 9 July 2018. As a consequence Dönmez of the shift from the parliamentary system to the - Youth and Sports Minister: Mehmet Kasapoğlu presidential system, the number of ministries have - Treasury and Finance Minister: been reduced from 25 to 16, with some ministries - Interior Minister: Süleyman Soylu being merged under a single roof. - Culture and Tourism Minister: The members of the first cabinet under the - National Education Minister: Ziya Selçuk new presidential system are as follows: - National Defence Minister: - Vice-President: - Health Minister: - Justice Minister: Abdulhamit Gül - Industry and Technology Minister: - Labour, Social Services and Family Minister: Zehra - Agriculture and Forestry Minister: Zümrüt Selçuk - Trade Minister: - Environment and Urbanisation Minister: Murat - Transport and Infrastructure Minister: Cahit Kurum Turhan

TURKEY’S STATE OF EMERGENCY OFFICIALLY LIFTED

he two-year-long state of exit of people to certain places for 15 emergency declared after days if they suspect that the person in Tthe 15 July coup attempt has question will disrupt the public order, been lifted on 18 July 2018. As known, to prohibit the transport of all kinds the Turkish government declared a of weapons and ammunition even if nationwide state of emergency on licensed, and to ban demonstrations. 20 July 2016 following the deadly The Turkish media associates coup attempt by FETÖ which left the package with the French model, 250 people dead and more than in which a state of emergency was two thousand wounded. The state of declared following the November emergency was extended for seven 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris which consecutive times with three month left 130 people dead and where periods. the government introduced new A few days before the end of the regulations to tighten anti-terrorism state of emergency, the ruling Justice laws following its expiration on and Development Party submitted November 2017 after five extension a draft bill, proposing to make periods. The end of emergency amendments in various laws related rule was welcomed by the EU. In to security regulations to continue a statement, European External the fight against terrorism in the Action Service Spokesperson Maja upcoming period. The 100-article terrorist attacks to authorise the disasters to expedite the intervention in the events of collective crime and Kocijancic hailed the end of the amendment package will see a judiciary to collect evidence, detain of emergency services. The draft the authority of the governors to be state of emergency while expressing partial implementation of the state suspects and impose media blackout foresees period of detention to be enhanced, where they will be able to concern over some elements in the of emergency in the case of major if necessary and in the case of natural extended to 48 hours, and to four days impose curfews, to limit the entry and new measures.

ISSUE 41 . June-July 2018  19 5 19 65 1965 6 ISSUE: 39 APRIL 2018 1965 19 5 www.ikv.org.tr 1 6 2018 ISSUE: 41 JUNE-JULY 2018 9 65 2018 TURKEY-EU WATCH EU GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL ADOPTED CONCLUSIONS ON TURKEY The EU General Affairs Council discussed enlargement policy and adopted conclusions on the accession prospects of seven countries including Turkey.

he EU member states’ EU affairs conclusions, the EU would continue Tministers, who came together in its financial support and technical the General Affairs Council meeting on assistance to strengthen cooperation 26 June 2018, adopted conclusions on in this field, including through the EU enlargement policy. In its conclusions Facility for Refugees in Turkey. on Turkey, while reaffirming Turkey’s In a press release regarding the importance as a candidate for accession General Affairs Council conclusions on and a key EU partner, the General Affairs Turkey, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Council expressed concern over the Affairs criticised the Council’s claims state of the rule of law and fundamental that Turkey was moving away from the rights in Turkey. In this regard, the process and considered the EU’s position council conclusions gave a clear clue as inconsistent. In the statement, it was by asserting that there was no work indicated that Ankara does not accept foreseen towards the modernisation of associating the accession process with the Customs Union and the opening new conditions under a meaningless of new negotiation chapters. Aside cause and effect relationship. Moreover, from that, the General Affairs Council, the statement criticised EU’s imposing praised the constructive cooperation conditions on the modernisation of the between Turkey and the EU on the Customs Union which would serve the migration crisis. According to the council interests of both Turkey and the EU.

CJEU ANNOUNCED ITS RULING ON THE COMMERCIAL CARRIAGE OF GOODS FROM TURKEY TO AUSTRIA

n 11 July 2018, the Court of authorisation system was brought Association Agreement between on 16 April 2018. In NATO allies’ solidarity YPG, FETÖ and ISIL and OJustice of the EU (CJEU) in its to the court. Turkey and the EU which is the context of the in the fight against all expressed that decisions ruling on Case C629/16 stated that In its ruling, the CJEU has known as the “standstill clause” visit, Stoltenberg kinds of terrorism was regarding enlargement each of the Member States will be decided that the Austrian prevents the introduction of new came together with emphasised. policy should be taken. entitled to require authorisation legislation is appropriate to the restrictions which could hinder President Recep Tayyip Following the Lastly, Stoltenberg for the commercial carriage of transport domain which does the economic activities between Erdoğan, Minister of meeting with President met with Minister goods from Turkey that pass not fall within the scope of the the parties. Hence, the Austrian Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Erdoğan, Stoltenberg of National Defence through their territories provided Association Agreement. Therefore, authorities need to make sure that Çavuşoğlu and Minister came together with Nurettin Canikli. During that the authorisation requirement this case has been agreed not to the authorisation scheme that is of National Defence Minister of Foreign the meeting, Minister precedes the entry into force of the be handled in accordance with the required for passage through the Nurettin Canikli. Affairs Mevlüt Canikli and NATO standstill clause between Turkey free movement of goods. In light of Austrian territory was introduced During the visit, Çavuşoğlu. Minister Secretary General Jens and the EU. This ruling has been these, Turkish hauliers are allowed before the standstill clause’s taking NATO Secretary Çavuşoğlu and Secretary Stoltenberg discussed made in the wake of a case in to enter the EU in accordance with effect. If it is figured out that this General Stoltenberg General Stoltenberg the cooperation in the which a Turkish haulier was fined the requirements of each of the is the case, then the Austrian for not obtaining the authorisation Member States and the bilateral authorisation scheme will not issued by the Austrian authorities agreements between Turkey and have any incompatibilities with while traveling to Germany through the EU countries. the Association Agreement, so Austria. Following this instance, As known, Article 41(1) of the authorisation scheme will be the applicability of the Austrian the Additional Protocol to the applicable.

EP APPROVED 500 MILLION EUROS FOR EDUCATION OF REFUGEE CHILDREN IN TURKEY

n 4 July 2018, MEPs approved budget. Othe draft amending budget of The Facility for Refugees in 500 million euros for ensuring the Turkey, established in November education of refugee children in 2015, coordinates EU assistance Turkey and for the payment of the to refugees in Turkey. Funded by salaries of 5,000 teachers who are the EU budget and additional currently providing education to contributions from Member States, 300,000 refugee children in Turkey. it is envisaged to amount a total of This constitutes the first payment 3 billion euros for 2016-2017. It was of the 3 billion euros extension extended by the EU on 14 March of the EU Facility for Refugees in 2018 and allocated an additional 3 Turkey under the humanitarian aid billion euros for 2018–2019.

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HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES WORLD LEADERS CONVENED IN BRUSSELS FOR NATO SUMMIT Leaders of 29 NATO allies and partner countries gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit.

n 11-12 July 2018, leaders membership invitation to Macedonia Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The NATO Oof NATO allies and partner following last month’s landmark deal Brussels Summit marked President countries gathered in Brussels for to resolve the country’s long-running Erdoğan’s first major international the 28th NATO Summit. The NATO name dispute with Greece conditional summit after taking office for a new Brussels Summit, taking place at upon the approval of the deal in a five-year term. The declaration issued a time of tension in transatlantic referendum set to be held in autumn. at the summit stated that NATO relations, was the subject of Burden-sharing was one of the would continue to monitor and assess increasing international attention in most controversial issues on the missile threat to Turkey from Syria. light of the upcoming Trump-Putin agenda of the summit. US President Moreover, the allies vowed to provide meeting in Helsinki. The summit Trump, who has sent letters addressed Turkey with “tailored assurance got off to a bumpy start with US to allies which are not living up to measures” aimed at guaranteeing President Trump accusing fellow the commitment they made at the alliance’s security. On the margins of NATO ally Germany for being “a NATO Wales Summit in 2014 to spend the summit, President Erdoğan held captive to Russia” because it imports 2 percent of their GDP on defence, bilateral meetings with several world most of its energy from Russia. threatened to pull the US out of NATO leaders including German Chancellor During the summit, which unless the allies promised to increase Angela Merkel, French President took place in the alliance’s new deterrence and defence, enhance of burden-sharing. During the summit, their defence spending. Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime headquarters, leaders took decisions relations with the EU, step up the fight leaders confirmed the alliance’s At the NATO Brussels Summit, Minister Giuseppe Conte and Greek to strengthen the alliance’s against terrorism and address the issue “open door policy” by extending a Turkey was represented by President Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. LEADERS INAUGURATED TANAP PIPELINE PROJECT

he 1,850-km Trans-Anatolian stake, Turkey’s BOTAŞ has 30 percent, The project will also meet Turkey’s TNatural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) BP has 12 percent, and SOCAR Turkey ever increasing gas demand. TANAP was inaugurated on 12 June 2018 has 7 percent. will run from the Turkish border with by Turkish President Recep Tayyip The aim of the TANAP project is Georgia, beginning in the Turkish Erdoğan, Ukrainian President Petro to bring natural gas produced from village of Türkgözü in the Posof district Poroshenko, Azerbaijani President Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz-2 gas field, of Ardahan, through 20 provinces Ilham Aliyev, President of the TRNC and other areas of the Caspian Sea, until it ends at the Greek border in Mustafa Akıncı and Serbian President primarily to Turkey, but also on to the Ipsala district of Edirne. From this Aleksandar Vučić at a ceremony held Europe. The TANAP project, along with point, the TAP Pipeline will connect in the Turkish province of Eskişehir. on 16 Aprilthe 2018. Southern In Caucasus NATOPipeline allies’ and solidarity to convey naturalYPG, FETÖ gas to and European ISIL and The opening ceremony also hosted the contextthe ofTrans-Adriatic the Pipelinein the (TAP) fight form against allcountries. Theexpressed initial capacity that decisions of TANAP executives of energy companies and visit, Stoltenbergthe elements of the Southernkinds of Gas terrorism wasis expected regardingto be 16 billion enlargement cubic senior bureaucrats from shareholder came togetherCorridor. with By completingemphasised. the Southern meters (bcm)policy of gas should per year, be graduallytaken. countries. PresidentGas Recep Corridor, Tayyip the ambitious projectFollowing the increasing to 31 bcm.Lastly, Around Stoltenberg 6 bcm The foundation of the 8 billion Erdoğan,will Minister play a ofkey role in maintainingmeeting with Presidentof gas will bemet delivered with Minister to Turkey and rd dollar project was laid down at the 3 organised in Istanbul in November started in March 2015. In the project,Foreign Affairsthe energy Mevlüt security of EuropeErdoğan, by Stoltenbergthe remainingof Nationalvolume will Defence be supplied Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum 2011. The construction of the pipeline Azerbaijan’s SOCAR has a 51 percentÇavuşoğlu decreasing and Minister its dependence came on together Russia. withto Europe. Nurettin Canikli. During of National Defence Minister of Foreign the meeting, Minister Nurettin Canikli. Affairs Mevlüt Canikli and NATO During the visit, Çavuşoğlu. Minister Secretary General Jens PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN VISITED AZERBAIJAN AND TRNCNATO SecretaryFOREIGN MINISTERÇavuşoğlu and ÇAVUŞOĞLUSecretary Stoltenberg MET discussed WITH General Stoltenberg General Stoltenberg the cooperation in the As a tradition of the newly elected OSCE SECRETARY GENERAL GREMINGER Turkish presidents, following his visit to Azerbaijan, Erdoğan arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). During a joint conference with TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı, President Erdoğan stated that Turkey aims to double the TRNC’s national income per-capita by making it a centre of attraction in the Eastern Mediterranean. Erdoğan also underscored that Cyprus was Turkey’s national cause and its ultimate goal was resident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline to find a just and lasting solution to the n 9 July 2018, Foreign Minister Minister Çavuşoğlu emphasised Pmade his first overseas visit to Project (TANAP) and Azerbaijan’s state Cyprus question. Speaking at the joint OMevlüt Çavuşoğlu received the the necessity to reform the OSCE Azerbaijan on 10 July 2018, after oil company SOCAR’s investment press conference, TRNC President Akıncı Organisation for Security and Co- for the organisation to become taking an oath to become Turkey’s first in building a refinery in Aliağa were praised the TRNC’s sincere relations operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary more active in combating the rising president under the new governmental underlined. President Erdoğan also with Turkey and indicated the Turkish General Thomas Greminger who was Islamophobia and xenophobia in system. In the context of his visit to Baku, thanked President Aliyev for his support side’s unwillingness to engage in an on an official visit to Turkey. During Europe. Furthermore, both parties President Erdoğan held a tête-à-tête in the fight against the Fethullah unending negotiation process. Referring the meeting, Minister Çavuşoğlu and highlighted the importance of meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Terrorist Organisation (FETÖ) and to the Greek Cypriot Administration’s OSCE Secretary General Greminger European institutions’ mission Azerbaijan, while delegations from the emphasised that Turkish-Azeri relations unilateral drilling activities in the Eastern exchanged views on the ongoing to sustain peace and harmony two countries came together to discuss are strengthened on the basis of “one Mediterranean, Akıncı also emphasised security concerns, economic issues between the Islamic and the bilateral ties. During the joint conference nation, two states”, referring to the Turkic that the TRNC would not give up its and humanitarian crises. Foreign Christian worlds. of the presidents, the importance of the roots of both countries. rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.

ISSUE 41 . June-July 2018  19 65 1 1965 ISSUE: 41 JUNE-JULY 2018 9 65 2018 EXPERT VIEW TURKEY’S EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY: IMPACTS ON TURKEY’S EU BID Following the ending of the state of emergency, revitalisation of Turkey’s EU accession process is conditional upon several factors such as return to political and economic reforms.

Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem NAS, IKV Secretary General

hile the EU is involved in many diverse and Wchallenging issues on its agenda such as migration, populism, economic growth, transatlantic relations and trade wars, a critical change took place in its southeast. Turkey made a transition from a parliamentary regime to a presidential one. Defined as an “executive presidential system”, Turkey no longer has a prime minister or council of ministers. Instead we have a system centred on the president who appoints his deputies, members of his cabinet as well as members of the councils, offices and directorates that will be responsible for policy-making and executive functions. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is at the top of this system and embodies both the representative and executive functions percent of the votes in the first round is given the power to issue decrees 16 while many ministries were merged Turkey, improvement of fundamental of this new government. of the elections. The nearest runner-up excluding on fundamental rights, with each other. From the point of rights and freedoms as well as rule of 24 June elections were quite was the CHP’s candidate Muharrem human rights and duties, political view of EU relations, the merging of the law conditions, and aligning of security critical for the future of the country İnce who received 30.64 percent of the rights and duties, topics which are Ministry of EU Affairs into the Ministry measures with the standards and owing to the fact that the first votes, a figure which outweighed his exclusively reserved in the Constitution of Foreign Affairs was quite unnerving. norms of the Council of Europe. What president of the new system was party’s votes for the parliament which to be regulated by law, and other In a ceremony marking the occasion, both Turkey and the EU should watch about to be elected. The elections had was 22.65 percent. The parliamentary topics that are already regulated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt out for is the democratic conditions two tiers including the election of the arithmetic resulting from the elections law. He or she is also empowered Çavuşoğlu noted that this merger in Turkey especially with regard to president and election of the members allocated 290+49 seats for the People’s to appoint members of his/her should not be perceived as marking effective scrutiny of the executive by of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Alliance (following the resignation of cabinet, members of the policy- an end to Turkey’s EU aspirations. the legislative and judiciary branches as (TGNA). The “People’s Alliance” (Cumhur 4 AKP members in order to become making councils and offices as well In addition, the culmination of the well as the existence of a functioning İttifakı) made up of the governing ministers), and 144+42+2 seats for as high-level bureaucrats. In addition state of emergency on 18 July also checks and balances structure Justice and Development Party (AKP) the Nation Alliance while the Peoples’ to its legislative and budgetary marked a critical occasion for a return under the new system. However, the and the Nationalist Action Party Democratic Party (HDP) acquired function, the parliament can scrutinise to normalcy in Turkey-EU relations. approach prevalent in the EU towards (MHP) was to run against the “Nation 67 seats. With a voter turnout of vice-president and ministers by The restoring of diplomatic relations Turkey is also not conducive to an Alliance” (Millet İttifakı) composed of 86.24 percent, the existence of eight parliamentary inquiries, general between Turkey and the Netherlands, improvement in the relations. The the opposition parties Republican parties in the TGNA is good news debates, and written questions. The ending of Germany’s economic anti-immigration, anti-Muslim and anti- People’s Party (CHP), Good (İyi) Party from the viewpoint of democratic president’s criminal liability is regulated sanctions and relaxing of travel advice Turkey rhetoric of right-wing populist and Felicity Party (SP). The entry into representation. as such: the TGNA can start an inquiry for Turkey were also good news for a parties as well as some mainstream the competition of dynamic politicians In the days following the by a vote of 3/5 of the total number revitalisation of Turkey’s relations with parties in EU Member States question such as Muharrem İnce of CHP and elections, steps were taken swiftly for of MPs to be followed by a report of EU Member States which could also whether or not the EU may be able Meral Akşener of İyi Party resulted in a the formation of the new government. the committee of inquiry which can have a positive impact on relations to welcome Turkey into the EU club quite colourful and exciting campaign The new members of the parliament prepare the grounds for referral to with the EU. in the near future even if the country period. Despite unequal media as well as the President and cabinet the Supreme Court by 2/3 of the total fulfils the Copenhagen criteria. Short coverage for the running parties, ministers took their oaths of office number of MPs. The president cannot From Normalcy to Revitalisation: of a revitalisation of Turkey’s accession each candidate tried to communicate in front of the TGNA, presidential dissolve the parliament but can decide How? process, starting the Customs Union their views and programmes to the decrees were issued outlining the to hold early elections. In such a case Following the ending of the state modernisation negotiations or electorate in large meetings as well as new institutional set-up under the both presidential and parliamentary of emergency, revitalisation of Turkey’s finalising the visa liberalisation process on the social media channels. executive presidency, and the chair of elections are renewed. EU accession process is conditional may be other related avenues which The result was a victory for the TGNA was elected. According to Under the new system, the upon several factors such as return could contribute to a rapprochement President Erdoğan who received 52.59 the amended Constitution, president number of ministries was reduced to to political and economic reforms in between Turkey and the EU.

On behalf of IKV: Istanbul Office Preparation for Publication Art Director Printing House: Ayhan Zeytinoğlu Esentepe Mahallesi Harman Sokak Melis Çinçinoğlu Fersa Ofset Editor -in- Chief: TOBB Plaza No: 10 Kat: 7-8 Editor Ostim 1207. Cadde

Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas 34394 Levent Istanbul/Türkiye Belma Özgen No: 5/C-D

5 6 General Director

9 1 Graphic Designer Editorial Directors: Tel: +90 212 270 93 00 Levent Akbay Yenimahalle/Ankara Cem Demir Yeliz Şahin Faks: +90 212 270 30 22 General Assistant Director www.fersaofset.com JUNE-JULLY 20 1 8 No: 4 JUNE-JULLY N. Melis Bostanoğlu E-posta: [email protected] Umutcan Akbay

 ISSUE 41 . June-July 2018