MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS OF ’ S MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU

Turkish people feel European, Turkey is a member of all European organisations and in the process of membership negotiations with the European Union.

The challenge for both the EU and Turkey now is to transform Turkey’s political, economic, social and cultural potential into assets for Europe’s future.

1. ECONOMY : Turkey will contribute 6. CULTURE : Turkey has always 9. ENVIRONMENT : Turkey’s to EU’s economic power on the global been a cradle of major civilizations. membership will double the richness of scene. With a population of 72,6 Hittites, Lydians, Lycians, Phrygians, the EU ecosystem. In Europe excepting millions, a steadily increasing GDP Romans, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, Turkey, there are 3500 endemic plant level (610 billion €), an economic people from the Balkans, Caucasia, species. Turkey alone is home to 3022 growth average of 4% in the last 5 Central Asia, Black Sea and the endemic plant and 456 bird species. years despite the economic crisis, a Ottomans are all part of Turkey’s 93% of forests in Turkey are natural old young and entrepreneurial population, historic and cultural heritage. , forests (compared to 1% in the rest of an export oriented industrial economy , Hattusash, Mount , Europe). and a rapidly developing information , Lethoon and society, Turkey’s accession will among others are registered on the 10. SECURITY & STABILITY : As a increase the size and competitiveness World Heritage List. reliable NATO ally, Turkey’s of the European internal market. 7. MULTICULTURALISM : Turkey’s membership will consolidate both the 2. CONSUMERS : Adoption by Turkey membership will strengthen EU’s military and the civilian aspects of the of the EU legislation and standards is multicultural society and democracy. It Common Foreign and Security Policy. contributing to the competitiveness and will be a solid confirmation, refuting A European Union which includes the product quality in an enlarged ‘clash of civilizations’ scenario and Turkey will be more efficient in tackling Union. emphasizing the essence of the EU, as political problems and crises including a union built upon and through threats from undemocratic regimes, 3. BUSINESS : Given the country’s common values. terrorism, illegal immigration and qualified labour force, high absorption trafficking in drugs, arms and human capacity, tourism potential and location 8. WOMEN’S RIGHTS : Turkey’s beings. Last but not least, Turkey’s at the crossroads of Eurasian markets progress towards EU membership is an membership will provide sustainable and energy networks, EU membership important catalyst in empowering stability in the Aegean regions and the will boost its economy by attracting women. Turkish women’s participation Balkans. even more investments. In addition to in the work force in banking, the existing customs union in industrial engineering, legal and the medical goods, the liberalisation of services and sectors are among the highest in public procurement will provide Europe, whereas problems persist in European companies with invaluable both urban and rural areas. Turkey’s opportunities and generate growth and EU accession process further improves jobs in Europe. women’s rights in Turkey and generates positive effects on the status 4. GLOBAL POLITICS : Turkey’s of Muslim women in Europe and geographical position and connection beyond. to the Balkans, the Black Sea, Islamic world, Russia and the Central Asia will grant the EU a greater say in the international arena.

5. ENERGY : Turkey as an important TURKISH INDUSTRY link in the East-West energy corridor & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION channelling the Caspian and the Middle HEADQUARTERS – ISTANBUL Eastern energy to Europe and world [email protected] markets. Turkey as a future member of ANKARA the EU would strengthen the EU’s [email protected] energy security with alternative routes EUROPEAN UNION – BRUSSELS for energy supply such as The Baku- [email protected] Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Iraq-Ceyhan oil BERLIN pipelines, Turkmenistan-Turkey- [email protected] PARIS Europe, the Shah Deniz, the Black Sea [email protected] and Turkey-Greece natural gas WASHINGTON DC pipelines. Moreover, Turkey holds the [email protected] biggest potential for renewable BEIJING energies such as hydroelectric, [email protected] thermal, solar, biomass and wind power reserves among European www.tusiad.org countries. MEMBER OF BUSINESSEUROPE ( The Confederation of European Business )