IKV’s Trustee Organisations:

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ISSUE: 47 FEBRUARY 2019 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] -EU HIGH LEVEL ECONOMIC DIALOGUE MEETING WAS HELD IN ISTANBUL

The Turkey-EU High Level Economic Dialogue convened for its third meeting in Istanbul.

n 28 February 2019, top in which Turkey and the EU have officials from Turkey and been working together closely. Vice Othe EU came together with President Katainen mentioned the leading representatives from the General Affairs Council’s assessment Turkish and European business alleging that the negotiations with community for the third meeting of Turkey were at a standstill. Katainen the Turkey-EU High Level Economic continued with the following Dialogue (HLED). HLED is among clarification that this situation did the various thematic dialogue not imply an end or a suspension mechanisms between Turkey and to Turkey’s accession talks. Referring the EU. The agreement to establish to Turkey’s status as a European a high level economic dialogue and an EU candidate country, Vice was reached during the Turkey- President Katainen said that in line EU Summit of 29 November 2015 with this approach they expected convening in the most acute phase a good performance from Turkey of the refugee crisis. The HLED concerning core EU values and mechanism aims at contributing principles. As to economic reforms, to the further enhancement of Katainen stated that the reforms economic relations and creating foreseen in Turkey’s New Economic a platform to bring the European Turkey-EU trade and investment EBRD and EIB were also present in the importance of the EU anchor and Program were both promising and and Turkish business communities relations and the Customs Union. the meeting. voiced their commitment to Turkey’s necessary. together with decision-makers. The As it is known, the economies During the meeting, objective of full EU membership. Visa first HLED meeting was held in 2016 of Turkey and the EU have become representatives of the Turkish liberalisation, digitalisation, trade and Largest Ever Turkey-EU Financial in Istanbul and Ankara and this was deeply integrated in consequence business community highlighted investment were among the issues Cooperation Project Signed followed by a second meeting in of the Customs Union which has the need to launch the talks discussed in this session. According to the joint press 2017 in Brussels. been in effect since 1996. EU aimed at the modernisation of Speaking at the joint press communiqué, in the Inter- HLED convened for its is Turkey’s top trading partner, the Turkey-EU Customs Union conference following the Turkey-EU Governmental Dialogue session, third meeting under the joint whereas Turkey ranks fifth among without further delay. The Turkish Business Dialogue, Treasury and Ministers and Commissioners chairmanship of Turkey’s the EU’s trading partners. The trade business community’s message Finance Minister Albayrak indicated discussed global and regional Treasury and Finance Minister volume between Turkey and the was echoed by EUROCHAMBRES that they had a transparent and economic developments and and European EU has reached 165 billion dollars and BusinessEurope representatives frank dialogue with their European evolution of the economic policy Commission Vice President in 2018. Moreover, EU accounted who called on the EU to launch the interlocutors. Minister Albayrak since their last meeting. “The two responsible for Jobs, Growth and for two thirds of foreign direct process for the modernisation of stated that the bilateral trade sides reiterated their commitment Investment Jyrki Katainen. The EU investment inflows to Turkey in the Customs Union. As it is known, volume between Turkey and EU has to maintaining an open and frank delegation consisted of European 2018 with the Netherlands, Italy and Ankara and Brussels had agreed on significantly increased in the last 15 dialogue, to addressing common Commissioner for Transport Violeta Austria being among the top five the need to modernise the Customs years reaching 165 billion dollars in challenges and to cooperating Bulc as well as representatives FDI sourcing countries. Union by addressing issues related 2018. Albayrak highlighted that in including in the essential areas from the European Commission’s to its current functioning and the face of rising protectionism and of economy and trade” the DG NEAR and DG Trade whereas Business Community’s Call for bringing it up to date with the new the threats against multilateralism, communiqué read. The fourth the Turkish delegation included the Launch of Customs Union generation trade agreements by Turkey-EU economic relations have HLED meeting is set to take place in Transport and Infrastructure Modernisation Talks extending its scope to sectors such become increasingly important. Brussels next year. Minister and The Turkey-EU Business as services, public procurement and Albayrak also pointed out the During the meeting, the Minister for Trade . Dialogue session was attended by agriculture. In December 2016, the business community’s call regarding project financing agreement for The meeting was organised in two the presidents and representatives European Commission has asked the the modernisation of the Customs the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed sessions: the Turkey-EU Business of leading Turkish business Council for a mandate to launch the Union, and emphasized that it was Railway Line was signed by Turkey’s Dialogue which brought together organisations such as TOBB, IKV, talks for modernising the Customs an issue of priority that should be Transport and Infrastructure Minister Turkish and European business TUSIAD, TIM, TISK, TESK, DEIK, Union. However, the issue has urgently addressed. Mehmet Cahit Turhan and European circles with European and Turkish MUSIAD, YASED and KAGIDER as well become highly politicised and the Commission Vice President Commissioner for Transport Violeta decision-makers; and the Inter- as European umbrella organisations Council, in its June 2018 conclusions Katainen, for his part highlighted Bulc. The total cost of the project is Governmental Dialogue session such as EUROCHAMBRES stated that no further work was the deep economic integration 1 billion euros, 275 million euros of during which Turkish and EU officials and BusinessEurope. Senior foreseen for the modernisation of between Turkey and the EU and which will be financed by the EU, discussed the current economic representatives from international the Customs Union. The Turkish went on describing the HLED as making it the largest EU investment situation, structural reform agenda, financial institutions such as the business community underscored just one of the numerous areas project carried out in Turkey. 1965 2019

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IKV AGENDA IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU ATTENDED THE HIGH LEVEL ECONOMIC DIALOGUE MEETING

he High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED), impasse in the modernisation of the Turkey-EU Testablished between Turkey and the EU in Customs Union because of political reasons. 2015, brought Turkish and European business Furthermore, Turkey’s objective to complete circles together with the decision-makers the visa liberalisation dialogue and revitalise for the third time on 28 February 2019 at the the accession process was reiterated. Presidential Office in Dolmabahçe Palace, During the meeting, IKV Chairman Ayhan Istanbul. The event was hosted by Finance and Zeytinoğlu called for the opening of Chapter Treasury Minister Berat Albayrak. 23 on the judiciary and fundamental rights and While Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan and Chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security as Transport and Infrastructure Minister Mehmet a tool to strengthen the relations. Reminding Cahit Turhan were among the high level Turkey’s good alignment level concerning representatives from the Turkish public sector, the open chapters and sectors related to the European Commission’s Vice President for Jobs, Customs Union, IKV Chairman underlined the Growth, Investment and Competitiveness modernisation of the Customs Union as a Jyrki Katainen and Commissioner for Transport driver of economic cooperation. Violeta Bulc represented the EU. Referring to the visa liberalisation dialogue, During the session co-chaired by IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu stated that Turkish Finance and Treasury Minister Albayrak and citizens were obliged to pay approximately Commission’s Vice President Katainen, the 300 million euro in the last 5 years for their financing project of the Halkalı-Kapıkule BusinessEurope, Turkish Confederation of Bank (CEB) were also present in the meeting. visa applications. Moreover, he added that Railway Line, for which the EU is envisioned to Employer Associations (TISK), SME United, In the meeting, both sides agreed on the amount would reach 500 million euros if provide 275 million euro in grants, was signed. Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s the importance of maintaining dialogue, additional costs such as transportation costs The signature has given the start to the largest Association (MUSIAD), Foreign Economic communication, cooperation, as well as and notary fees are taken into account. IKV EU investment project which will be carried Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), Confederation business initiatives between Turkey and the Chairman Zeytinoğlu talked about the positive out in Turkey. of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), EU. Moreover, high level EU representatives, impact visa liberalisation could make on The following organisations representing International Investors Association (YASED), while referring to the significance of bilateral Turkey-EU relations. He indicated that Turkey the business community participated Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey trade and investment relations, expressed has met 67 of the 72 criteria laid out in the visa in the meeting alongside IKV: Union of (KAGIDER). Representatives from the European their expectations from Turkey to improve liberalisation roadmap and encouraged the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank for the state of democracy, human rights, acceleration of the fulfilment of the remaining Turkey (TOBB), EUROCHAMBRES, Turkish Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) fundamental freedoms and rule of law. On criteria in order to re-energise the accession Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD), along with Council of Europe Development the other hand, Turkey has criticised the process. IKV BROUGHT TOGETHER MEPS AND TURKISH EXPERTS AHEAD OF THE AFET VOTE ON THE TURKEY REPORT

n 19 February 2019, IKV organised closer relations between Turkey and the EU is Oa dialogue meeting entitled “Global a must for Europe’s security and prosperity, IKV Trends and Changing Parameters of Turkey- Chairman pointed out that numerous issues EU Relations” at the European Parliament in ranging from migration management and the association with the EP Turkey Forum. During the fight against terrorism to trade and investment meeting academics, civil society representatives could be more effectively dealt with in a and MEPs held a detailed discussion on the functioning accession framework. state of play in Turkey-EU relations and the way Highlighting that a strong commitment to forward. The dialogue meeting taking place a Turkey’s EU membership was vitally important to day before Foreign Affairs Committee’s (AFET) trigger liberal reforms, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu vote on the draft Report on Turkey provided underscored that Turkey’s citizens and civil an opportunity for a sincere exchange of views society would be more vocal in their demand with EP Rapporteur on Turkey Kati Piri (S&D, for democratic reforms, if they were assured Netherlands) and to express the Turkish side’s that Turkey could become a member upon its reservations about the report. fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. In this The dialogue meeting, which was hosted regard, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu pointed out by the EP Rapporteur Piri, EU-Turkey Joint that political barriers such as vetoes in relation Parliamentary Committee Vice Chair Miltiadis to the Cyprus question, double standards and Kyrkos (S&D, Greece), Nedzhmi Ali (ALDE, prejudices against Turkey had been damaging Bulgaria) and Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE, Bulgaria), the credibility of the EU. Zeytinoğlu added was also attended by MEPs Ismail Ertug (S&D, and erosion of liberal values, IKV Chairman included in the draft report, IKV Chairman that such actions make those who support EU Germany), Geoffrey Van Orden (ECR, UK) and Zeytinoğlu indicated that such trends had Zeytinoğlu warned that such a move would membership in Turkey become silent. Anneli Jäätteenmäki (ALDE, Finland). DG NEAR’s a negative impact on Turkey’s EU membership be extremely counterproductive and risked Referring to the results of IKV’s EU Head of Turkey Unit Bernard Brunet, Head of the process. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu added that distancing Turkey further from the EU. IKV perceptions public opinion survey conducted Turkey Division at the EEAS, Thomas Frellesen with the Brexit date of 29 March 2019 and the Chairman Zeytinoğlu emphasized that despite in 2017, IKV Chairman stated that support as well as Turkey experts based in Brussels also EP elections fast approaching, the EU stands at the challenges lying ahead, Turkey’s accession for Turkey’s EU membership stands at 78.9 participated in the event. a critical juncture. Expressing his hope that the to the EU remained as the only framework for percent with only 30 percent believing that EU IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu delivered EU would be able to emerge successfully out of steering Turkey-EU relations. He added that the membership is actually going to take place in the opening speech at the dialogue meeting. these process, Zeytinoğlu reminded that the EP best message the EU could give to extremists, the near future and added: “The EP could play an Referring to the weakening of the transatlantic will be voting on its last Turkey Report in March. Eurosceptics and populists was to work harder important role in showing its solidarity with the bond, increasing tension between the US and Referring to the call for the formal for Turkey’s integration to the EU. Turkish people by opening the EU’s gates rather China, Russia’s assertiveness, the rise of populism suspension of Turkey’s accession, which was Indicating that the establishment of than closing them.”

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1965 19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 20182019 IKV AGENDA TIMELINE FEBRUARY 2019 IKV ATTANDED THE WORKSHOP JOINTLY Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu 1 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu participated in the Gymnich issued a press statement meeting in Bucharest, on the EU-Japan Economic ORGANISED BY TOBB AND EUROCHAMBRES 2 Cooperation Agreement. Romania. 3

4 IKV Istanbul EU Information Centre brought students closer to science with the “EU Greek Prime Minister Tsipras 5 Science Caravan”. paid a two-day visit to Turkey. 6

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KV participated in the workshop organised within the Department at TOBB. 8 Director of the Turkish Iscope of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue (TEBD), a joint The workshop was held in four sessions, two of which National Agency Astarcı initiative of TOBB and EUROCHAMBRES on 27 February 2019. were held simultaneously namely on “SMEs and Digitalisation”, visited IKV’s Brussels The workshop was organised in preparation for the Turkey- “People, Training and Skills”, “Investment Climate and Business 9 Representation. EU High Level Economic Dialogue Meeting. The opening Environment” and “Logistics and Connectivity”. In this scope, speeches of the workshop were delivered by Dirk Vantyghem, IKV Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas moderated the 10 TEBD Director, and Mustafa Bayburtlu, Head of the EU session on “Investment Climate and Business Environment”. 11

EU INSTITUTIONS’ HEADS OF TURKEY UNITS 12 CAME TOGETHER WITH BUSINESSMEN AT IKV 13 Leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran met in Sochi to discuss the Syria crisis. 14 DG NEAR’s Head of Turkey Unit Brunet and EEAS Head of Turkey Division Frellesen 55th Munich Security 15 visited IKV. Conference 16

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67th anniversary of Turkey’s NATO membership 18 IKV brought MEPs together with civil society 6th Ministerial Conference representatives at a working of the Budapest Process was 19 lunch at the EP. held in Istanbul. he Head of the Turkey Unit at European Commission’s community’s perspective. DG NEAR, Bernard Brunet and European External At the meeting, the importance of the EU anchor T EP’s Foreign Affairs Committee 20 IKV hosted an expert meeting Action Service’s (EEAS) Head Turkey Division, Thomas in terms of foreign investments, the Schengen visa adopted the draft 2018 Report on labour market integration Frellesen visited IKV on 14 February 2019 and came requirement which is among the fundamental problems on Turkey. of Syrian refugees. together with representatives from the Turkish business faced by Turkish business people doing business with 21 community at the working lunch hosted by IKV Chairman the EU, as well as problems arising from the current Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. The EU officials, who were in Turkey functioning of the Customs Union were brought to 22 IKV discussed the to hold meetings in Ankara and Istanbul as a part of the attention. In this context, the state of play in Turkey- modernisation of the preparatory work for the Turkey-EU Association Council EU relations, visa liberalisation dialogue and the Customs Union in Afyon. meeting scheduled for 15 March 2019, were accompanied modernisation of the Customs Union were discussed in 23 by Vincent-Guillaume Poupeau, Political Counsellor at the detail. EU Delegation to Turkey and Camelia Suica from the EEAS. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu and the delegation EU - League of Arab States 24 IKV joined Trade Ministry’s Customs Union During the working lunch; IKV Chairman Ayhan composed of businessmen were accompanied by IKV Summit Zeytinoğlu, Turkish Home Textile Industrialists’ and Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, Research Modernisation and Brexit Businessmen’s Association (TETSIAD) Chairman Ali Sami Director Çisel İleri, Business Development and Strategy 25 Working Group.

Aydın and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Director M. Gökhan Kilit, Senior Researcher Yeliz Şahin IKV panel on Turkey-EU trade automotive company Farba, Ahmet Bayraktar discussed and the EU Information Centre Coordinator and Press relations was held in Kocaeli. Turkish and Greek Cypriot 26 Turkey’s EU accession process from the business Officer Mehmet Poyrazlı. leaders held an informal IKV participated in the meeting. 27 workshop held under Turkey- IKV JOINED TRADE MINISTRY’S CUSTOMS UNION EU Business Dialogue. 28 Turkey-EU High Level IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu Economic Dialogue meeting attended the Turkey-EU High WORKING GROUP Issue 25 • December 2016 3 was held in Istanbul. 29 Level Economic Dialogue meeting. KV joined the “Working Group February 2019, IKV’s Strategy and Ion the Modernisation of the Business Development Director Customs Union and Brexit” M. Gökhan Kilit and Research 30 coordinated by the Ministry Director Çisel İleri participated in of Trade’s DG for International the first meeting of the working 31 Agreements and EU. On 25 group.

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IKV AGENDA EU SCIENCE CARAVAN IS EXPERTS DISCUSSED LABOUR PURSUING YOUNG ‘AZİZ MARKET INTEGRATION OF SANCARS’ SYRIANS AT IKV

eading experts from academia, civil an integration model with a visible Lsociety circles and the business contribution to employment possible?” community came together to discuss After a brief presentation from Prof. KV Istanbul EU Information Centre, in cooperation Başakşehir Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Middle School on labour market integration of Syrians Gökhan Özertan, Department Head of Iwith the EU Delegation to Turkey and the February 6, Tuzla TOKI Oruç Reis Middle School on in Turkey with a special focus on the Economics at Boğaziçi University regarding German Embassy in Ankara, brought students 7 February, Beykoz 75’inci Yıl Cumhuriyet Middle agriculture sector at IKV Istanbul EU the outlook of Turkish agriculture sector, closer to science and innovation with the “EU School on 8 February 2019. Information Centre on 21 February 2019. good examples and case studies were Science Caravan in My City” project. The EU Science The event is dedicated to the 30th anniversary After the opening remarks of IKV Secretary shared by the participants. During the Caravan welcomed secondary school students in of the Convention on the Rights of the Child with General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, Brookings general discussion, together with the Istanbul after visiting Ankara and Edirne, with the a focus on advancing children’s rights in the age Institute TUSIAD Senior Fellow Prof. Kemal employment and labour market integration purpose of contributing to scientific activities in of artificial intelligence (AI) as children and young Kirişci introduced his recent analysis on of the Syrians in Turkey, other related issues a possible “Refugee Compact for Turkey” such as gender equality, informality and education as of January 2019. “Science in My City” people across the globe will be affected the most and raised the following question: “Is legal status were brought to the agenda. aims to make children gain a “do-it-yourself” culture by the growth of AI technologies and applications. through “dream, design and produce” approach that The caravan, which is designed specifically for overlaps with innovation policies. a generation that imagines, designs and produces, During the week of 4-8 February 2019, the IKV has the capacity to carry out workshops with 15 Istanbul EU Information Centre visited 5 different participants at the same time. Science Workshops NEW IKV BRIEF ON WOMEN’S LABOUR schools for 5 days, conducted workshops on include a Wood Design Workshop, a Robotics- wooden modelling, robotic-coding, 3D modelling Coding Workshop, a 3D Modelling & 3D Printer FORCE INTEGRATION IN TURKEY and 3D printing. Until now, EU Science Caravan Workshop. The EU Science Caravan will tour 20 hosted students of Gaziosmanpaşa Şehit Öğretmen cities between January and June 2019 and will he new IKV Brief Note Mustafa Gümüş Middle School on 4 February, visit second grade schools particularly targeting Tentitled “Women Kâğıthane Yaşar Doğu Middle School on 5 February, disadvantaged groups in remote districts. Employment Scorecard ȋKV in Turkey’s EU Accession DE͏ERLENDȋRME Process” (in Turkish) prepared NOTU DIRECTOR OF THE TURKISH NATIONAL AGENCY by Junior Researcher Merve Özcan was published in ASTARCI VISITED IKV’S BRUSSELS REPRESENTATION February 2019. The brief aims to look into the reasons ȋN irector of the AB KATILIM SÜRECȋNDEKȋ TÜRKȋYE’N underlying low female labour Turkish National ȋSTȋHDAMI KARNESȋ D force participation and KADIN Agency İlker Astarcı employment rates in Turkey. visited IKV’s Brussels The brief analyses the current Representation on environment in labour 8 February 2019 market for women in Turkey, and came together and investigates the causes with Brussels that keep women from Representative M. being employed in detail. Haluk Nuray. During In the last section, women the meeting, EU employment in the EU is Youth Programmes being touched upon before 1965 and Turkey-EU 2019 coming up with some policy 19 65 relations were recommendations for Turkey. discussed.

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TURKEY-EU WATCH DRAFT TURKEY REPORT ADOPTED IN AFET SPARKED CRITICISM EP Foreign Affairs Committee’s adoption of the report calling for suspension of Turkey’s accession talks was met with criticism.

n 20 February 2019, the draft Turkey Report Oprepared by Dutch MEP Kati Piri, which calls for the suspension of the Turkey’s EU accession negotiations was adopted in the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET). The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs heavily criticised the draft Report on Turkey and stated that the call for the official suspension of negotiations was absolutely unacceptable. Although the draft report is seen by Turkish authorities as an example of the EU’s biased and prejudiced attitude towards Turkey, in the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs it was clearly stressed that EU membership remained one of Turkey’s top strategic goals even though the accession talks, formally launched in 2005, have been stalled for years due to objections by the Greek Cypriot Administration and opposition from some Member States. The draft Turkey Report also called on the Member States to continue the dialogue with Turkey especially on democratisation and to launch the negotiations for the modernisation of Turkey-EU Customs Union. The report is now set to be discussed in the EP plenary in mid-March. As it is well known, EP resolutions are not legally binding and bear only the status of an advisory decision.

TURKEY- EU HIGH LEVEL TRANSPORT DIALOGUE CONVENED IN BRUSSELS Maritime transportation, aviation and outlook of the Halkalı-Kapıkule railway project were the main items on the agenda of the Turkey-EU High Level Transport Dialogue meeting.

he European Commissioner for Bulgarian border crossing point, Kapıkule/ TTransport Violeta Bulc came together Svilengard station will be put into practice. with Turkey’s Transport and Infrastructure Additionally, maritime sector was Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan in Brussels touched upon during the High Level on 5 February for the Turkey-EU High Transport Dialogue meeting. Turkey Level Transport Dialogue meeting. The and the EU are going to be formulating most prominent issues discussed during a financial package to enable the the meeting were the Halkalı-Kapıkule decarbonisation of the maritime sector railway project, Turkish maritime sector in Turkey. Within the context of the EU’s and aviation. green shipping perspective, it is aimed As mentioned by Minister Turhan for Turkey to become a global maritime at the press conference organised after transformation hub. the meeting, significant developments As to aviation, which was on the expected to be the milestone in Turkey-EU meeting’s agenda , underlining that cooperation on transport were discussed. the negotiations lasted more than two First of all, the Halkalı-Kapıkule railway years regarding the EU level aviation which is the largest EU-Turkey financial agreement, Minister Turhan indicated assistance project was stated to start in that the negotiations are aimed to be March 2019. The project agreement was finalised during the following round in signed in the margins of the Turkey-EU Ankara on 13-14 March. Commissioner High Level Economic Dialogue which took Bulc, for her part, underlined the issues place on 28 February 2019. The Halkalı- of strengthening Turkey’s cooperation Kapıkule railway project is expected with the European Aviation Safety Agency to cost approximately 1 billion euros, and training of aviation experts. All in the 275 million euros of which will be all, Bulc’s last statement at the press provided by the EU. After the completion conference pointing to stronger transport of the project, safe, high-speed and clean cooperation between the EU and Turkey connection for passengers and freight in 2019 was promising for the future of between Istanbul-Halkalı station and the Turkey-EU relations.

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TURKEY-EU WATCH LEADERS OF TURKEY, RUSSIA AND IRAN MET IN SOCHI TO DISCUSS THE SYRIA CRISIS

he guarantors of the Astana peace Tprocess have convened for a fourth round of talks on 14 February 2019 in the Russian city of Sochi. The Iranian, Russian and Turkish presidents discussed further joint steps with a view to lasting peace in Syria. The future of Idlib and a Turkish security belt in north-eastern Syria were the key themes of the Sochi meeting. The three leaders also concentrated on the long-term settlement of the Syria crisis following the US withdrawal from Syria, and the ongoing efforts to form a Syrian constitutional committee. According to the statements made at the final press conference, the summit was rather constructive and that there was progress in terms of its functionality and interaction within the Astana troika. As it is known, Turkey and Russia, together with Iran, are the guarantor countries that brokered a cease-fire in Syria in December 2016, leading to the Astana talks, which are running parallel to the UN-led Geneva talks since 2017. The next round of talks will be held in Turkey upon the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

FDI FLOWS TO TURKEY MARKED 14 PERCENT INCREASE IN 2018

MACRON’S DECLARATION OF 24 APRIL AS A NATIONAL DAY SPARKED REACTION

n 5 February 2019, French President so-called Armenian genocide allegation OEmmanuel Macron made some has no legal basis, goes against historical controversial remarks regarding the 1915 realities and is a political lie. It is null and incidents, revealing his plan to declare 24 void for Turkey”, Kalın said. Moreover, Kalın April as a “national day of commemoration assessed the French President’s decision as of the ‘Armenian genocide’”. Macron’s a venture to use a tragic incident for both ead of the Presidential Investment previous year. He added that FDI in 2018 declaration has sparked a reaction on the Turkish and Armenian communities Office Arda Ermut assessed the reached around 13.2 billion dollars with H the Turkish side. As it is known, the 1915 for his own political interest. Reminding foreign direct investment (FDI) figures for an increase of 14 percent year-on-year. As incidents have been a source of friction President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call in Turkey on 25 February 2019. Ermut said stated by Ermut, production topped total between Turkey and France; since France 2005 for the formation of a joint history that according to the latest data released capital investments with 2 billion dollars, officially recognised the 1915 incidents as commission to illuminate historical realities, by the Central Bank of the Republic of followed by retail, finance and energy, genocide in 2001. the Presidential Spokesman underlined Turkey, (CBRT) Turkey attracted around respectively. Ermut praised Turkey’s Turkish Presidential Spokesman that Turkey has been willing to continue 1.2 billion dollars in FDI in December Turkey’s FDI performance in the previous İbrahim Kalın, released a written statement supporting every well-intended effort to 2018, a significant increase of 38 percent year as a success at a time when total condemning Macron’s declaration. “The shed light on the incidents. compared to the same month of the world FDI was in serious decline.

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HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES

TURKEY COMMEMORATED FOREIGN MINISTER ÇAVUŞOĞLU ATTENDED 67 YEARS AS A NATO ALLY THE GYMNICH MEETING

urkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Turkish company representatives TÇavuşoğlu attended the informal working in Romania. The meeting was meeting of Foreign Ministers of the EU attended by Turkey’s Ambassador member and candidate countries, which to Bucharest Füsun Aramaz as well took place on 31 January-1 February as representatives from the Foreign 2019 in Romania’s capital city Bucharest. Economic Relations Board’s Turkish- The meeting, which was hosted Romanian Business Council, the by Romanian Minister of Foreign Turkish Businesspeople’s Association of Affairs Teodor Meleșcanu was chaired Romania, Turkey-Romania Investment n 18 February 2019, Turkey marked the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Today, by Federica Mogherini, EU High Association and Turkish Airlines’ office O67 years of NATO membership. Turkey’s as security challenges multiply, diversify, and Representative for Foreign Affairs and in Bucharest. Opportunities to further accession to NATO took place just three years gain hybrid characteristics, it is clear that Security Policy and Vice-President of the increase bilateral trade volume and after the founding of the organisation. Ever the principles of solidarity and collective European Commission. The ministers investment were discussed at the since Turkey’s NATO membership in 1952, security epitomised by NATO have become discussed global developments and the meeting. On the same day, Minister the North Atlantic Alliance has played a more important than ever.” The ministry also current topics on the EU’s agenda. Views Çavuşoğlu also met with Deputy central role in the country’s national security underlined among various risks and threats, on China’s Belt and Road Initiative were Prime Minister and Croatian Foreign framework and contributed to its integration in particular the fight against terrorism was also exchanged. The meeting included Minister Marija Pejčinović-Burić to with the Euro-Atlantic community. Turkey “imperative” as terrorists threatened not only a working session with foreign affairs discuss Turkey-Croatia relations and in return, has successfully assumed its Turkey but the alliance, and the stability ministers of EU candidate countries. planned high-level visits. On 1 February Ahead of the informal meeting, 2019 Minister Çavuşoğlu met with his responsibilities in defending the common of the Euro-Atlantic region as a whole. The Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu held a German counterpart Heiko Maas and values of the Alliance. ministry vowed to continue to work with its meeting on 31 January 2019 with exchanged views on bilateral relations. In a press release regarding the 67th allies to ensure that “NATO plays its part in this anniversary of Turkey’s accession to NATO, context”. TURKISH AND GREEK CYPRIOT LEADERS HELD GREEK PRIME MINISTER TSIPRAS on 16 April 2018. In NATO allies’ solidarity YPG, FETÖ and ISIL and AN INFORMALthe context of the MEETINGin the fight against all expressed that decisions VISITED TURKEY visit, Stoltenberg kinds of terrorism was regarding enlargement came together with emphasised. policy should be taken. President Recep Tayyip Following the Lastly, Stoltenberg Erdoğan, Minister of meeting with President met with Minister Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Erdoğan, Stoltenberg of National Defence Çavuşoğlu and Minister came together with 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 NATO Secretary Çavuşoğlu and Secretary Stoltenberg discussed General Stoltenberg General Stoltenberg the cooperation in the

reek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras paid Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Tsipras, on Ga two-day visit to Turkey on February the other hand, pointed to the sincere and 5-6 upon the invitation of President Recep special dialogue between Turkey and Greece Tayyip Erdoğan. On the first day of the and indicated that problems between the n 26 February 2019, President of the Turkish sides of the island. According to the statement, visit, Greek Minister Alexis Tsipras and two countries could be resolved through Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) the leaders decided to implement the CBM on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint dialogue. O Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos mobile phone interoperability through separate conference at the Presidential Complex On his second day of the visit, Greek Anastasiades came together for the first time agreements of the operators on both sides with following their tête-à-tête and the meeting Prime Minister Tsipras arrived in Istanbul in four months in the island’s buffer zone for an a hub based in Europe. The leaders confirmed between the delegations. During the joint to visit Hagia Sofia and has become the informal meeting hosted by the UN Secretary that the interconnectivity of the two electricity press conference, President Erdoğan stated first serving Greek Prime Minister to visit General’s Special Representative on Cyprus, grids was achieved and the temporary electricity that the bilateral trade should be elevated the Halki Seminary. Tsipras attended the Elizabeth Spehar. According to the statement by supply agreement between the two sides to a much higher level, and emphasised ceremony headed by Patriarch Bartholomew. the UN Spokesperson in Cyprus, the leaders had was made permanent and without restriction. that the Turkish cognates living in Greece Both parties conveyed their wishes for the a constructive exchange of views in a cordial Moreover, the leaders agreed to the clearance and Greek citizens in Turkey are not a reason re-opening of the Halki Seminary. Tripras atmosphere. of nine suspected minefields, each. As a good for separation but a reason for cooperation. expressed his wish that the next time he The two leaders committed to will gesture, TRNC President Akıncı announced Concerning the Cyprus question, which was comes through the Halki seminary’s doors, implementing the confidence-building the Turkish Cypriot side’s decision to return the among the key issues discussed, President he hopes that he would not be alone but measures (CBMs) in order to improve the daily paintings by the Greek Cypriot artists currently Erdoğan underlined that the two sides with the President and the school will be lives of all Cypriots, the statement said. As it in storage in the TRNC. Similarly, Greek Cypriot should come up with a joint roadmap re-opened. President Erdoğan, on the other might be recalled, in May 2015 the two sides leader Anastasiades announced that the Greek in the current consultation process and hand, said that Greece had to resolve the had agreed on a package of CBMs including Cypriot side would hand over pre-1963 visual underscored the political equality of the mufti issue in Western Thrace first, for that to ensuring the interoperability of mobile phones and audio recordings of Turkish Cypriot artists Turkish Cypriot side as a key parameter for take place. and interconnectivity of electricity grids on both that are located in the CyBC archives.

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EXPERT VIEW 6TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OF THE BUDAPEST PROCESS: IN PRAISE OF HUMAN MOBILITY

Representatives from more than 45 countries searched the ways for establishing a sustainable and accountable migration cooperation framework in Istanbul.

Ahmet CERAN IKV Researcher

he 6th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process, a Tleading international venue to elaborate possible ways for enhanced migration management and refugee rights took place on 19 and 20 February 2019 in Istanbul. Within the framework of the Conference, competent authorities from 47 countries and 15 international organisations exchanged views and 40 countries agreed to adopt the “Istanbul Commitments” and a five-year call for action concerning irregular migration, workers’ migration, children’s rights and so forth. Before taking a deeper look into the 6th Ministerial Conference, it is necessary to understand the structure and content of the Budapest Process. The Budapest Process is an The 6th Ministerial Conference Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu and migration management present in the room. The next day, interregional dialogue on migration at A Glance who also was the host as well as strategies have been shared within Commissioner Avramopoulos covering Europe and its Eastern To begin with, ministerial level the conference chair. Conference the Conference’s framework. On addressed the participants with neighbourhood as well as Central participation from 20 different Chair, Minister Soylu started by the other hand, many problems the following words: “Our primary Asia. Operating for more than 25 countries constitutes a signal pointing out Turkey’s successful persist in the implementation objective is to build an organised years with a non-binding nature, demonstrating the importance implementation of temporary phase on the field. In this regard, and sustainable management the Budapest Process has not only attached to both the Budapest protection. According to the figures Turkish President Recep Tayyip of human mobility, respectful of enabled a flexible environment and Process and the migration issue. he shared, Turkey currently hosts Erdoğan’s comments during human rights, and inspired by the opened up a platform for further Moreover, such an initiative more than 3.6 million Syrians –more the opening dinner of the 6th principles of solidarity, partnership, cooperation and networking, affirms the fact that, non-binding than any other country- who Ministerial Conference, which took accountability and sharing of but also acted as a knowledge processes which are not directly have been granted temporary place at the Çırağan Palace just responsibility. This is the only hub. This hub of cooperation linked to the UN system and any protection. before the official opening session, way forward.” Moreover, he drew and information-sharing, on a other regional or international At this very point, Minister were of utmost importance. attention to the the Turkey-EU regular basis decides thematic organisation or integration project Soylu touched upon the vital risks Statement as an important example priority topics. Lastly, during its are in time turning into effective which are currently giving a rise From Budapest Process to of how close cooperation between 2013 meeting, Istanbul Ministerial global governance tools. to irregular migration; namely, Turkey-EU Refugee Deal true partners can bear very Declaration on a Silk Routes These kinds of initiatives income inequality and security During the inaugural dinner, tangible results, in full respect of Partnership for Migration has been bring not only official state concerns. Minister Soylu also shared President Erdoğan brought the international law and human rights. achieved. representatives around the same some other critical data regarding Turkey-EU Deal to the table and All in all, the Budapest Process, The 2019 Ministerial table in a highly structured manner, prospective durable solutions; as reminded the high amounts Turkey the Turkey-EU Deal and all other Conference has been built upon the but also representatives from the a critical part of reconstruction has allocated to overcome the instruments to overcome the 2013 achievements. Yet, since 2013, civil society and international and re-stabilisation of war-torn migration crisis and integrate the migration crisis fully depend on the whole picture has changed. organisations’ within a much areas, 311,968 Syrians have already Syrians in Turkey. Yet he criticised common will and the notion of Global migration management flexible setup. To this end, similar returned to the regions covered the EU side for the problems togetherness. The Budapest Process framework has witnessed one of initiatives with special emphasis on by Operation Olive Branch and regarding the prospected 3+3 is a unique tool just because it the largest influxes of displaced migration management and other Operation Euphrates Shield. billion euros and the slow speed of provides a positive environment persons. Therefore, taking account sensitive humanitarian matters Together with the adoption allocation and contracting. which helps the establishment of of the above described framework, should increase in number. of a five-year action plan Meanwhile, the European the common will highlighted above. the 6th Ministerial Conference and Against this background, the and comprehensive Istanbul Commissioner for Migration, Despite all the disagreements and the measures discussed are of 6th Ministerial Conference began Commitments, many successful Home Affairs and Citizenship confrontations, such venues are utmost importance. with the opening remarks of Turkish projects, cooperation commitments Dimitris Avramopoulos was more needed than ever.

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