75.5 PERCENT of TURKISH CITIZENS SUPPORT EU MEMBERSHIP the Level of Support for EU Membership Among Turkish Citizens Rose 13 Points Over the Last Year

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ISSUE: 19 MAY 2016 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] 75.5 PERCENT OF TURKISH CITIZENS SUPPORT EU MEMBERSHIP The level of support for EU membership among Turkish citizens rose 13 points over the last year. Since Turkey-EU relations have been revitalised in the context of the refugee crisis and the visa liberalisation process, this increase may be interpreted as a clear testimony of the public opinion’s support for this process. ince last year, IKV has younger age groups (18-22 age • In parallel to the increase in Scommissioned a survey which group). support for EU membership, is conducted by Realta Research • Similar to last year’s results, the the share of those believing Company with the aim of identifying main sources of information that Turkey will become an EU the level of information and as regards to the EU are Member rose from 23 percent awareness among the Turkish public traditional media tools such as to 33.8 percent compared to last opinion on the EU and further the television, newspapers and year. analysing the support for Turkey’s radio. The internet remains also • As regards to the level of EU membership. The last survey a widely-used tool to search for support granted to Turkey’s was conducted on 23-24 April information related to the EU. In EU membership, there is a 2016 in 18 provinces of Turkey with contrast, it can be noted that the rather mixed picture from the a participation of a total of 1254 official institutions of the EU and geographical point of view. With persons among which 42.6 percent Turkey are still not considered as a rate of 89.7 percent, South were women. primary sources of information Eastern Anatolia is the region among public opinion. with the highest percentage The main outcomes of this • Whilst 75.5 percent of the Turkish regarding positive expectation survey are as follows: public opinion is supporting about Turkey’s EU membership • Over the past year, the support for Turkey’s EU membership, the while the Central Anatolian region EU membership has increased to they have heard of the EU expectation that Turkey’s EU has the lowest rate of positive 75.5 percent in 2016. Whilst the before, 85 percent of participants of knowledge on the EU is high membership will actually take expectation with 65.6 percent. level of support was 61.8 percent declared that they have “none” in South Eastern Anatolia and place in the near future has • Taking into consideration the age in 2015, it can be observed that or “little” knowledge of the EU. Black Sea Regions. It can also decreased to 35.6 percent of the range, it can be observed that the the level of support rose 13 points This indicates a lack of general be observed that the level of participants to the survey and population under the age of 45 is this year. information as regards to the EU knowledge on the EU is higher only 33.8 percent expect that showing more support and has • While 9 out of 10 participants within the Turkish public opinion. within the middle age population Turkey will join the EU within the a higher rate of belief for Turkey’s to the survey have stated that • In geographical terms, the level (31-44 age group) in contrast to next five years. EU membership. PAGE 2

TURKISH BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS LOST A GREAT PIONEER: VISIONARY BUSINESSMAN IBRAHIM BODUR PASSED AWAY AT AGE 88 orn in 1928 in Çanakkale, manufacturing, defence, till 1992. Bodur contributed We, as IKV, deeply regret BIbrahim Bodur graduated chemicals, electronics, tremendously to Turkish the loss of one of the doyens from Robert College and energy, transport, tourism economy and industry of the Turkish private sector, completed his MBA in and agriculture. Today it and has figured among the Founder and Honorary the United States. Once represents Europe’s 3rd the founders of TOBB, IKV, President of the Kale Group, he returned in Turkey, he largest and the world’s 12th TÜSİAD and DEİK. one of our Founders and founded the Bodur-Eğinlioğlu largest ceramic producer. For his outstanding at the same time father of EdirneKapı Cotton Factory in In 1962, Bodur was contributions to the Turkish our Vice-President Zeynep 1951 and then Turkey’s first elected as a member economy, Bodur has been Bodur Okay, Dr. Hacı İbrahim ceramic factory in 1976. of Istanbul Chamber of awarded in 1997 the State Bodur who has tremendously Bodur founded Kale Industry (ISO) and in 1969 Medal of Distinguished contributed not only to the Holding in 1973 which he joined the ranks of Service of the Republic economic, social and cultural constitutes one of the largest TOBB Board of Directors. of Turkey and the Turkish spheres of our country but businesses in Turkey with Between 1969 and 1975, Grand National Assembly’s also to Turkey-EU relations. a total of 17 companies. he chaired TOBB’s Executive Distinguished Service We offer our deepest The main activities of the Board. Bodur was also the Prize in 2006. He has also condolences to his family group focused on ceramics longest serving Assembly been awarded numerous and to the Turkish business along with machine President of ISO from 1976 distinctions by foreign states. community. 19 65 ISSUE: 19 MAY 2016 19 65

75.5 PERCENT OF TURKISH CITIZENS SUPPORT EU IKV CONTINUES WITH ITS HORIZON MEMBERSHIP TOUR ON TURKEY-EU RELATIONS FROM THE FIRST PAGE • Among the main reasons behind the support for Turkey’s EU ACROSS TURKEY membership are the prospect of more welfare and further economic During May, IKV continued to organise a development as well as free movement, right of settlement and series of seminars within the framework educational opportunities. These are followed by the consolidation of the project entitled “A Horizon Tour on of democracy and human Turkey-EU Relations: New Dimensions, rights. For the 18-30 age groups, the expectation of increased New Objectives” opportunity for free movement is high. On the other hand, when Turkey-EU Relations discussed explained that the refugee crisis gave analysing the reasons for opposing in the Marmara Region an important impetus to Turkey- to EU membership, the EU’s double IKV organised a seminar EU relations, especially in terms of standard approach to Turkey (21.2 in Kocaeli on 9 May 2016 in accelerating the visa liberalisation percent) and the fear that Turkish cooperation with Kocaeli Chamber process and the possibility of opening and the process which awaits Turkey. the seminar, Political Counsellor culture and identity would be of Industry (KOSANO) and in Bursa new chapters. She also pointed out In this respect, she pointed out to at the Delegation of the EU to weakened with EU membership on 9 May 2016 with Bursa Chamber that the signature of the Readmission the problems encountered within Turkey, Vincent-Guillaume Poupeau (26.8 percent) are among the of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) Agreement and the decision to the current way of functioning of the explained that the removal of the reasons coming to the forefront. respectively. modernise the Customs Union were Customs Union. She explained that visa will give the opportunity for • 35.2 percent of participants In Kocaeli, the opening speech important factors behind the new the need to revise the framework Europeans and Turkish citizens to indicated that “free movement” was delivered by KOSANO and IKV wave of dynamism in Turley-EU and the scope of the Customs Union better know and understand each would be the most important Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu who relations. has arisen especially due to changes other. contribution of EU membership revealed information regarding IKV Junior Researcher Ahmet in the world trading systems and also to Turkey while 42.7 percent the various activities and projects Ceran gave a presentation regarding in Turkey and the EU’s economic and Latest developments in of participants pointed out to carried out by IKV. Within this the Turkey-EU Visa Liberalisation trade interests. IKV Senior Researcher Turkey-EU relations were assessed “new job opportunities” as the framework, he shared for the Dialogue and the refugee crisis faced Akses stressed that although Turkey in the Mediterranean Region main significant contribution. first time the results of a survey by both parties. He informed the has to align its trade policy with the IKV organised a seminar On the other hand, 13.8 percent commissioned by IKV which aims participants about the 72 criteria EU’s preferential trade regime; Turkey in Mersin on 17 May 2016 in of participants declared that EU to analyse the support for Turkey’s which need to be fulfilled by the is not included in the decision- cooperation with Mersin Chamber membership would present no EU membership among the Turkish Turkish authorities for Turkish citizens making process and the negotiations of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) benefit at all for Turkey. public opinion. The survey reveals to access the EU visa-free. He also of free trade agreements conducted and in Adana on 18 May 2016 with that 75.5 percent of the Turkish presented the main outcomes of the by the EU with third countries. This Adana Chamber of Commerce. public opinion is supporting Turkey’s third report assessing the progress creates an asymmetric situation in The seminar in Mersin was LAUNCH OF THE EU membership, compared to 61.8 achieved by Turkey in terms of disfavour of Turkey. These concerns held with the participation MTSO TRANS-ADRIATIC percent obtained in the survey fulfilling the requirements of its visa have increased following the launch Chairman Şerafettin Aşut and Mersin PIPELINE PROJECT conducted last year. This increase liberalisation roadmap. Within this of the TTIP negotiations between the Deputy Governor Aylin Kırcı Duman. reflects the new dynamism in respect, he explained that Turkey EU and the United States. For the seminar organised in Adana, n 17 May 2016, under the Turkey-EU relations following the needs to take additional measures to IKV Project Director Çisel İleri Chairman of Adana Chamber of Oauspices of Greek Prime refugee crisis and the increased fulfill the requirements of 5 remaining gave a presentation on EU funds Commerce and IKV Member of the Minister Alexis Tsipras, the launch of cooperation between Turkey and criteria related to corruption, and financial assistance to Turkey. Board Responsible for Accounts the Construction Ceremony of the the EU. However IKV Chairman personal data protection, operational She shared detailed information Atıla Menevşe presented the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline Project (TAP) pointed out that the expectation cooperation agreement with Europol, about IPA funds within the context activities carried out by IKV. He was held in Thessaloniki, Greece. for EU membership still remains low effective judicial cooperation in of the financial assistance and also touched upon to the recent Vice-President of the European with 35.6 percent this year. criminal matters to EU Member indicated that Turkey will benefit important developments in Turkey- Commission in charge of Energy Union Following the opening speech, States and legislation on terrorism. from an assistance amounting to EU relations with a special focus on Maroš Šefčovič, Minister of Energy IKV Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Furthermore, he also drew the 4.454 million euros for the period the visa liberalisation process and and Natural Resources of Turkey Berat Çiğdem Nas explained the different attention to the importance for the covering 2014-2020. Furthermore, the revision of Turkey-EU Customs Albayrak, along with leaders and phases of Turkey’s EU accession Turkish business world, civil society IKV Project Director İleri also Union. high representatives from Georgia, process. She also assessed the and public opinion to put further explained that Turkey could benefit During these seminars, Azerbaijan, Albania, the United current situation in the Turkey- pressure on EU decision-makers in from an important financial resource recent developments in Turkey- States, Italy, Bulgaria and Switzerland EU negotiations process and the order to achieve the lifting of visa by participating to EU Programs. EU relations, the revision of participated to the ceremony. challenges ahead in Turkey-EU obstacles against Turkish citizens. By submitting project proposals the Customs Union, the visa Highlighting the economic relations. Assessing the current IKV Senior Researcher Selen Akses to these Programmes, Turkish liberalisation dialogue and Turkey- potential of the project, Greek Prime state of play in the negotiations, IKV informed the participants about the businesses, SMEs, NGOs, students, EU Readmission Agreement were Minister Tsipras explained that TAP Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Nas need to update the Customs Union entrepreneurs and other related discussed and information about EU would contribute in the reinforcement groups can benefit from a financial funds and EU Programmes were also of relations between Greece and the pool amounting to a total of 100 presented. EU. Vice-President of the Commission billion euros. In these seminars, Secretary- Šefčovič stated that TAP constitutes one In Bursa, the opening speech General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas of the priority projects of the Energy was delivered by Member of the pointed to the different challenges Union. Minister of Energy Albayrak Board of Directors of the BTSO Aytuğ faced within Turkey-EU relations. pointed out to the need of establishing Onur who explained that the EU is In this respect, she touched upon a more secure and sustainable energy Turkey’s main trade partner and that the EU’s integration capacity, issues market in the region. Minister Albayrak Bursa has strong trade relations with relating to identity and culture, also added that TAP along with TANAP EU Member States. Lastly, he referred the EU’s perception of Turkey, the would contribute to the development to the visa problem encountered EU’s internal problems due to the of a more efficient, competitive and by Turkish businessmen and thus economic and political crises, the reliable market and to the creation of stressed the importance of lifting the EU’s enlargement fatigue as well an international added value for the visa requirement for Turkish citizens. as Turkey’s changing internal and region. As the keynote speaker of external priorities.

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TIMELINEMAY 2016 1 IKV DELEGATION IKV Brussels Representative 2 attended the workshop of VISITED THE EUROPEAN Civil Society Dialogue (2-3 May) 3 PARLIAMENT 4 Publication of the Third An IKV Delegation led by IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu Report on visa liberalisation 5 roadmap visited the European Parliament to meet several Members of the Parliament on 24 May 2016. TÜSİAD President’s visit 6 to IKV IKV Brief on the Five 7 Remaining Criteria for Visa-free Europe 8 Minister of Foreign Affairs Çavuşoğlu’s visit to the Friends of Syria IKV assessed the 9 Group in Paris current Turkey-EU The then Minister for EU relations in Kocaeli and Affairs Bozkır’s visit to Bursa (9 -10 May) 10 Strasbourg (10-12 May) 11 72nd General Assembly of TOBB was held IKV attended the Local 12 The then Minister for EU Schengen Group Meeting in Affairs Bozkır’s visit to Tekirdağ 13 Brussels (12-13 May)

Minister Çavuşoğlu’s visit IKV tackled Turkey-EU 16 to the International Syria n this visit to the European Chairman Zeytinoğlu also pointed the “European Parliamentarians and relations in Mersin and Support Group Meeting in IParliament, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu out to the importance for Turkey to Turkish Civil Society: Dialogue for Adana (17-18 May) Vienna was accompanied by Vice-Chairman be integrated in the TTIP process. Better Understanding Each Other”, 17 Prof. Halûk Kabaalioğlu, Members of IKV Vice-Chairman Prof. a project started in 2008 to create the Board of Directors İlhan Soylu Kabaalioğlu reminded that the a platform of exchange between Minister Çavuşoğlu attended 18 Law on Turkey-EU and Mustafa İçöz, Secretary-General ongoing situation regarding visa Turkish civil society and Members the 126th Session of the Readmission Agreement Assoc. Prof. Ciğdem Nas, Brussels requirements goes in contradiction of the European Parliament, with a Committee of Ministers of 19 ratified by President Recep Representative Haluk Nuray and with international law: While goods view to overcome prejudices and the Council of Europe Tayyip Erdoğan Project Director Çisel Ileri. can travel freely to Europe by way of misconceptions about the EU and IKV Delegation met the Custom Union, the businessmen Turkey. 20 representatives of the cabinet of the who produce and sell them cannot Lastly, IKV Delegation met with President of the European Parliament freely move across Europe because Members of the Parliament, Renate and then discussed the current of the visa barrier. Additionally, he Sommer (EPP) and Alexander Graf 21 situation in Turkey-EU relations with also emphasised that the Custom Lambsdorff (ALDE) who are both Turkey Rapporteur Kati Piri. In these Union was supposed to be the last Shadow Rapporteurs on Turkey. 22 meetings, EU-Turkey relations, the step leading to accession and that Sommer observed that there visa liberalisation dialogue and the its current form is obsolete for a is an absolute need for closer Humanitarian Summit in migration crisis were the main topics country which represents the 6th cooperation between Turkey and 23 Istanbul (23-24 May) approached. European economy. the EU. Lambsdorff pointed out that IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu firstly IKV Delegation has met Turkey’s accession to the EU has IKV Delegation’s visit to the 24 65th Government was mentioned the importance of the several Members of the European been a very complicated process European Parliament formed under the new visa liberalisation process which will Parliament from the EU-Turkey Joint compared to that of other countries. Newly appointed Minister 25 Prime Minister Binali enable Turkish citizens to gain the Parliamentary Committee ” as well In this respect, he explained that Yıldırım right to travel visa-free in Europe. as several political advisors, with Turkey has its own domestic and for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik He also touched upon the need the aim of exchanging views on the international problems and that took over the post from 26 for a modernised Customs Union current state of play in Turkey-EU the public opinion in the EU in his predecessor H.E. between Turkey and the EU, with relations. Shadow Rapporteurs on regards to Turkey is currently Ambassador Bozkır its scope extended to new areas Turkey Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE- negative. Nevertheless, he stressed 27 Minister Çelik met European such as agriculture, services and NGL) and Bodil Valero (Greens) along that it is of great importance for Commission First Vice- public procurement. He also stressed with Costas Mavrides (S&D) and both parties to maintain a close, President Timmermans in 28 Antalya (27-29 May) that with the modernisation of Ismail Ertuğ (S&D) were also present continuous dialogue and create the Customs Union, it is essential at the meeting. The accession new mechanisms of collaboration. to overcome the problems process, visa liberalisation, the Finally, Lambsdorff stressed the 29 encountered by Turkey caused by refugee crisis, the revision of the fact that the potentiality of a the application of transport quotas, Custom Union and the impact of Brexit will be central in the close IKV discussed Turkey-EU The 124th Meeting of the relations in Amsterdam 30 to its absence in the negotiation TTIP on Turkey were the main topics future and that this represents an EU-Turkey Association of free trade agreements by the discussed during this meeting. important development in the EU Committee took place in EU with third country and in the This was also the occasion to which would also affect Turkey-EU 31 Brussels decision-making process. IKV officially launch the third edition of relations.

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IKV ORGANISED A SEMINAR ON TURKEY-EU RELATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS IKV organised a seminar entitled “Turkey and the EU: Common Interests or Divergent Paths?” with the cooperation of the Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance (ACELG) in Amsterdam on 30 May 2016.

he seminar was realised within Eijsbouts expressed his gratitude related to the deepening of the Tthe framework of IKV’s project to IKV for the organisation of this integration of Turkey in the EU. on EU Presidencies, which aims timely seminar, IKV Chairman In this respect, he underlined the to contribute to the Turkey-EU Zeytinoğlu provided information importance of the updating of the accession negotiations process by about IKV’s activities and its Customs Union so as to enable raising awareness and providing projects. During his opening Turkey to overcome the challenges more information on Turkey-EU speech, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu of the EU’s dynamic related to trade relations in countries that have also mentioned about IKV’s recent policy. taken over the EU presidency. survey, which indicated that the In the second session, Assoc. Relations between Turkey and support for EU membership has Prof. Thomas Vandamme and the EU have been re-energised increased to 75.5 percent in 2016 Assoc. Prof. Ronald van Ooik recently over the refugee deal. The owing to the re-energised relations from ACELG and Prof. Sanem seminar hosting experts on Turkey- among both parties. Baykal from the University of EU relations from academia and The first session started with Ankara discussed the pending civil society aimed to contribute the moderation of IKV Vice- issues in Turkey-EU relations. to debates about the current state Chairman and Dean of Yeditepe In her presentation, Prof. of Turkey’s EU perspective with an University Faculty of Law Prof. Halûk Baykal mentioned that the visa emphasis on the accession process Kabaalioğlu and presentations liberalisation process enabled and the association regime as of Prof. Vilenas Vadapalas, Former Turkey to pass long waited laws. well as on the ongoing areas of Judge at the European Court of The last session of the seminar, cooperation between both parties Justice, Assoc. Prof. Katalin Cseres IKV Secretary-General and Vice- i.e. the updating of the Customs from ACELG, and Assoc. Prof. Chair of the department of Political Union, the agreement on the Sait Akman from TEPAV’s Centre Science and International Relations refugee action plan and the visa for Multilateral Trade Studies. In at Yıldız Technical University Assoc. liberalisation process. his presentation, Prof. Vadapalas Prof. Çiğdem Nas and Senior The seminar started with the tackled the revision of the Customs Advisor of European Foundation opening speeches of Prof. Tom Union from a legal perspective and for Democracy Dr. Demir Murat Eijsbouts from the University of Assoc. Prof. Cseres from the angle Seyrek discussed about the recent Amsterdam and IKV Chairman of the competition law. Assoc. developments related to the Ayhan Zeytinoğlu. While Prof. Prof. Akman focused on the issues Turkey-EU Action Plan. IKV’S NEW PUBLICATION ON THE FREE MOVEMENT OF SERVICES study entitled “The free movement services in the scope of Turkey-EU

İKTİSADİ KALKINMA VAKFI YAYINLARI Yayın No: 280 Aof services: Turkey-EU accession Customs Union. 19 65 negotiations and the revision of the This analysis of the legislation and

Customs Union” (in Turkish) written by practices in the EU will help better assess HİZMETLERİN SERBEST DOLAŞIMI: IKV Junior Researcher Büşra Çatır was Turkey’s alignment level in the area of

published in May. free movement of services. Furthermore, TÜRKİYE-AB ÜYELİK MÜZAKERELERİ VE GÜMRÜK BİRLİĞİ’NİN GÜNCELLENMESİ The publication covers five main the presentation of the various possible HİZMETLERİN topics which can be described as follows: scenarios on how to integrate the service SERBEST DOLAŞIMI: TÜRKİYE-AB ÜYELİK MÜZAKERELERİ VE the free movement of services in the EU, sector in the Customs Union will help GÜMRÜK BİRLİĞİ’NİN GÜNCELLENMESİ the mutual recognition of professional also better understand the opportunities

İKTİSADİ KALKINMA VAKFI YAYINLARI Yayın No: 280 qualifications, the free movement of and the challenges ahead19 65 for Turkey. This İKTİSADİ KALKINMA VAKFI Esentepe Mahallesi, Harman Sokak, TOBB Plaza, No:10, Kat:7-8, Levent, 34394, İstanbul Tel: + 90 212 270 93 00, Fax: +90 0212 270 30 22, E-posta: [email protected]

services within Turkey’s EU accession publication whichİKV BRÜKSEL gives OFİSİ an insight of the Avenue de l’Yser 5-6 1040 Brüksel / Belçika Tel: + 32 2 646 40 40, Fax:+ 32 2 646 95 38, E-posta: [email protected] process, the new trends in global trade situation of the Turkishwww.ikv.org.tr services sector will with a focus on the service sector constitute an important source within and the challenges and opportunities Turkey’s EU accession process and the presented with the inclusion of the revision of the Customs Union. TUSIAD PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO IKV USIAD President Cansen department Zafer Gazi also EUROPE DAY CELEBRATED IN ISTANBUL TBaşaran-Symes paid a attended the meeting. The two visit to IKV Chairman Ayhan Presidents Başaran-Symes and arious events were organised with a music recital of Turkish Zeytinoğlu on 6 May 2016. Zeytinoğlu discussed areas of Vin different cities across folk music was held. During the TUSIAD and IKV Board Member cooperation and possibility for Turkey on 9 May 2016 with the celebration, there was also a dance Simone Kaslowski, TUSIAD joint projects between the two aim of celebrating the Europe performance from the Kalkedon Secretary-General Zafer Yavan, institutions and exchanged Day. Within this framework, IKV Flamenko. IKV Secretary-General Assoc. views on the current state of Istanbul EU Information Center At the occasion of this event, Prof. Çiğdem Nas, TUSIAD Turkey-EU relations. TUSIAD, a (EUIC) realised a series of cultural Istanbul EUIC opened a stand Deputy Secretary-General Hale leading business organization events at Bahçeşehir University. where it presented leaflets related Hatipoğlu, İKV Project Manager in Turkey and member of In that respect, a painting contest to EU institutions and Turkey-EU Çisel İleri and Head of TUSIAD’s BUSINNESSEUROPE is a trustee which saw broad participation relations along with Turkey’s EU external political relations organization for IKV. from a variety of students along accession process.

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THE 72nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF TOBB WAS HELD At the General Assembly, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s main message was to maintain and strengthen Turkey’s reform agenda and to undertake these reforms with unity of thought and solidarity.

he 72nd General Assembly within all global business with the new economic focus should be given to SMEs Tof TOBB was held in Ankara organisations which are playing conjuncture. Investments are not only to help them increase on 11 May 2016. Minister of an active role in global markets. particularly encouraged in their export but also to ensure Finance Naci Ağbal, Minister In the light of economic the field of information and their smooth adaption to the of Interior Efkan Ala, Minister developments and the increase communication technologies, digital economy (especially in of Customs and Trade Bülent of global competition, TOBB biotechnology and terms of e-commerce). Tüfenkci, the then Minister of President Hisarcıklıoğlu nanotechnology. Furthermore Within this comprehensive Economy Mustafa Elitaş, CHP emphasised the need to TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu reform programme, it is of President Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, establish a new growth and gave the message that Turkey utmost importance to take MHP Deputy Chairman Oktay industrialisation model for needs also to increase its measures to fight against Vural and some other former Turkey and thus to focus on presence in the global market informal economy, to reduce Ministers along with Presidents a comprehensive reform by investing more abroad. the costs of doing business, of Chambers and Exchanges programme. Pointing out to the to reinforce the vocational attended the General Assembly In this respect, TOBB importance for Turkey to training and to encourage meeting hosted by TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed increase its export volume, he entrepreneurship. On the President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. out the importance to establish also urged for changing Turkey’s other hand, TOBB President At the General Assembly, new arbitration and mediation export system by producing Hisarcıklıoğlu also stressed that TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu mechanisms that will better more high value added goods the lifting of visa obligation for presented the achievements tackle trade disputes. He also and to explore new market Turkish citizens and Turkey’s made by TOBB. In this stressed that the investment opportunities. TOBB President inclusion in the TTIP process respect, he stressed that TOBB incentive system should Hisarcıklıoğlu also explained would have enormous benefits succeeded in having a voice be revised in accordance that in this model a special for Turkey’s economy. IKV REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATED AT A WORKSHOP ON CIVIL SOCIETY DIALOGUE KV Brussels Representative Haluk Nuray The opening remarks of the IKV Brussels Representative Haluk Iattended the Dialogue for Effective workshop were realised by Deputy Nuray was one of the discussants of Communication on EU Issues Workshop Undersecretary of Ministry for EU Affairs the first panel in which the role of which was held in Ankara on 2-3 May Dr. Mehmet Cangir who stressed the media, civil society organisations and 2016 within the framework of the Civil importance of the active participation the public in the EU countries was Society Dialogue initiative. This workshop of local authorities in the process of discussed. He was accompanied in was organised with the aim of bringing creating an effective dialogue between the panel by Brussels Representative together representatives from the media, the institutions. Deputy Undersecretary of the European Network for civil society organisations and public Cangir also added that over 350 projects Independent Living Marco institutions and informing the public have been realised within the framework Carnesecchi and honorary founding regarding the effect of EU accession of the Civil Society Dialogue initiative Chairperson of the Europe Press Club reforms in citizens’ daily lives. through IPA funds. Maria Laura.

AK PARTY CHAIRMAN YILDIRIM FORMS THE 65th GOVERNMENT ollowing Prof. Ahmet Davutoğlu’s 26 members under the leadership Sema Ramazanoğlu as the only Fannouncement of his decision to of Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, woman in the cabinet. Former step down as the Chairman of the features nine new ministers while Minister of National Education Nabi ruling AK Party earlier this month, the four ministers from the previous Avcı has been named as the new party held an extraordinary congress cabinet have been re-seated. Minister of Culture and Tourism, to elect a new chairman. Izmir The Deputy Prime Ministers in former Minister of National Deputy and Minister for Transport, the new cabinet are Nurettin Defence İsmet Yılmaz was named Maritime Affairs Communications in Canikli, Mehmet Şimşek, Tuğrul as Minister of National Education, the 64th Government Binali Yıldırım Türkeş, Veysi Kaynak and Numan former Minister of Science, was elected as the new Chairman Kurtulmuş. On the other hand, Industry and Technology Fikri Işık of the AK Party in the extraordinary Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt has been appointed as Minister congress held on 22 May 2016. Çavuşoğlu, Minister of the Interior of National Defence and former Following his election as the new Efkan Ala, Minister of Energy and Deputy Prime Minister Lütfi Elvan leader of the AK Party, Yıldırım was Natural Resources Berat Albayrak has been named as Minister of mandated by President Recep and Minister of Justice Bekir Development. Tayyip Erdoğan to form the 65th Bozdağ are among the names Former Minister of Culture and Government. On 24 May 2016, the that have retained their respective Tourism, AK Party Spokesman and predecessor Ambassador H.E. Bozkır. for his new appointment as the newly appointed Prime Minister roles in the new cabinet. Adana Deputy, Ömer Çelik has been On behalf of IKV, we would Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Yıldırım unveiled the new cabinet as Nihat Zeybekci has been appointed as the new Minister for like to congratulate all members Negotiator. We want also to thank approved by President Erdoğan. named as the Minister of Economy EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator of the newly formed 65th Ambassador H.E. Volkan Bozkır replacing Mustafa Elitaş while replacing Ambassador H.E Volkan Government of the Republic of for all the previous work he has Who is who in the new Fatma Betül Sayan has been Bozkır. On 25 May 2016, the newly Turkey, especially Prime Minister conducted while serving as the cabinet? appointed as the new Minister of appointed Minister for EU Affairs Binali Yıldırım. We would like Minister of EU Affairs and Chief The new cabinet, which has Family and Social Policy replacing Çelik took over the post from his also to congratulate Ömer Çelik Negotiator.

Issue 19 • May 2016 5 19 65 ISSUE: 19 MAY 2016 19 65

THIRD VISA LIBERALISATION REPORT RECOMMENDS LIFTING OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR TURKS The European Commission published on 4 May 2016 its third Report assessing the progress achieved by Turkey in terms of fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalisation roadmap.

s it is known, this Roadmap to take the necessary decisions Asets out the requirements to allow Turkish citizens to travel that Turkey needs to meet in order without a visa for short stays in for the European Parliament and the Schengen area, once all the the EU Council to put Turkey on requirements have been met by the visa-free list for short stays in Turkey. the Schengen area. In the report, The visa liberalisation the progress realised by Turkey in dialogue has accelerated after the meeting the 72 criteria of the visa meetings of the Heads of State or liberalisation roadmap has been Government of the EU and Turkey assessed. on 7 March and 18 March. During According to the assessments these meetings, both parties have of the Commission, Turkey has agreed on the implementation fulfilled 65 of the 72 technical of the refugee deal and on the legislative reforms. Nonetheless, with Europol”; “offering effective agenda. In order to assist the co- criteria. However 5 criteria remain acceleration of the visa liberalisation Turkey still needs to fulfill the 5 judicial cooperation in criminal legislators in their deliberations, to be fulfilled and a longer dialogue with a view to lifting remaining criteria for which the matters to all EU Member States”; the Commission will continue to timeframe is needed for the the visa requirements for Turkish Commission argued there is a lack “revising the legislation and monitor the steps. implementation of 2 other criteria citizens by the end of June 2016 at of alignment with EU standards and practices on terrorism in line with At the end of the process, because of practical and procedural the latest. the acquis. European standards”. visa-free travel towards Turkish reasons. These two criteria are The 5 remaining criteria citizens would be voted both at the following: “Upgrading of the 5 Remaining Criteria to be are as follows: “Adopting further What is Next? the Parliament and the Council. If existing biometric passports” and Fulfilled measures in line with GRECO With the implementation qualified majority of the Council “implementing the provisions of the Following the re-energisation recommendations to prevent of the remaining benchmarks, vote in favour; short term visa-free Turkey-EU Readmission Agreement”. of Turkey-EU relations, Turkish corruption”; “aligning the legislation co-legislation procedure is travel maximum of 90 days for Nevertheless, the Commission has authorities have put great effort on personal data protection with expected to be applied. The visa touristic, educational and business tabled a legislative proposal to towards fulfilling the remaining EU standards”; “concluding an liberalisation issue would be put purposes will be ensured for Turkish enable the Parliament and Council criteria and carried out significant operational cooperation agreement on the Parliament and the Council’s citizens.

LAW ON TURKEY-EU READMISSION TURKEY LIFTS VISA REQUIREMENTS AGREEMENT RATIFIED FOR GREEK CYPRIOTS he Law on the Turkey-EU vice versa. The aim of readmission n 2 May 2016, the Turkish officials clarified 72 criteria outlined in the TReadmission Agreement has is to stop irregular migration and Ocabinet approved that although the visa visa liberalisation roadmap been ratified by President Recep prevent the tragic incidents which lifting the visa requirements waiver will apply to which Turkey needs to fulfill Tayyip Erdoğan on 18 May 2016. The are taking place in the Aegean Sea. for all EU citizens, applicable the Greek Cypriots, this in order to be granted visa- Readmission Agreement foresaw “Implementing the provisions of the from the date on which the would not amount to the free travel for its citizens. a return mechanism towards third Turkey-EU Readmission Agreement” EU lifts its visa requirements recognition of the Greek As mentioned in the country citizens residing in the EU also appears as one of the remaining for Turkish citizens. In line Cypriot Administration of article above, Turkey still has without authorisation or entering the criteria of the Visa Liberalisation with this decision, visa Southern Cyprus. Lifting to fulfill 5 remaining criteria EU from Turkey by irregular means and Roadmap. requirements for Greek the visa requirement for for the visa liberalisation Cypriots were also lifted. all EU citizens is one of the process. ISTANBUL HOSTED THE FIRST HUMANITARIAN SUMMIT OF THE UN round 9,000 participants from development and peace-building move forward on the Agenda for all actors must work collectively A173 Member States, efforts together. Humanity and to deliver better to reduce need, vulnerability and including the Heads of State, Seven High-Level Leaders’ results for people across the risk, and support national and local representatives from the private Roundtables provided globe. Take-away conclusions efforts, while ensuring respect sector, civil society and non- opportunities to make from roundtables reside in the for humanitarian principles. The governmental organisations commitments and announce bold recognition that political will Summit recognised the pivotal role attended the first World actions in support of the core is paramount to effectively of financing as the key catalytic Humanitarian Summit, held on 23- responsibilities of the Agenda prevent and end conflicts, to factor towards meeting and 24 May 2016 in Istanbul. for Humanity. Roundtables were address the root causes, to reducing needs. The participants agreed that organised around the following reduce fragility and strengthen Moving forward, all a complementary approach to topics: “Political Leadership good governance. The Summit commitments made will be humanitarian assistance is required to Prevent and End Conflict”, demonstrated the international reflected in a “Commitments to in order to adequately address and “Uphold the Norms that Safeguard community’s determination to Action” platform. This platform sustainably reduce the needs of the Humanity”, “Leaving No One “Changing People’s Lives - From leave no one behind in the quest will be publicly accessible world’s most vulnerable people. The Behind - A Commitment to Address Delivering Aid to Ending Need” and for sustainable development and serve as an accountability two-day summit underscored the Forced Displacement”, “Women and “Humanitarian Financing - Investing for all. The Summit reaffirmed instrument. Progress towards the need for addressing the root causes, Girls - Catalysing Action to Achieve in Humanity”. support from all stakeholders implementation of commitments increasing political diplomacy for Gender Equality”, “Natural Disasters The World Humanitarian to enhance the protection of made on the “Agenda for prevention and conflict resolution and Climate Change - Managing Summit has generated global civilians in armed conflict. Based Humanity” will be reviewed and bringing humanitarian, Risks and Crises Differently”, momentum and political will to on their comparative advantage, annually and assessed by 2020.

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STRONG REACTION FROM THE EU ON THE LIFTING OF PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITIES he Justice and Development have raised serious concerns of the Commission Federica TParty submitted a constitutional about this decision of lifting Mogherini and Commissioner amendment for the lifting of parliamentary immunity. They are Johannes Hahn following the parliamentary immunity. This worried that this decision could decision of the Turkish Parliament amendment was adopted on 20 threaten freedom of expression of to lift the parliamentary immunity. May 2016 by the Turkish Parliament the Members of the Parliament. In their statement, they stressed with a vote of 376 in favour and 140 With the entry into force of this that the immunity must apply to all against. The amendment will enter amendment, many members of on a non-discriminatory basis and into force once it will be approved the Republican People’s Party and that decisions on lifting immunity by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan People’s Democratic Party are must be based on the merits of and published in the Official considered under the risk of being each specific case according to Gazette of the Republic of Turkey. prosecuted. In this respect, a joint transparent and objective criteria Since the adoption of this statement was made by High without being subject to any amendment, European leaders Representative and Vice-President political instrumentalisation. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ÇAVUŞOĞLU’S VISITS TO THE EU In May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu paid official visits to France, Austria and Bulgaria in order to discuss the situation in Syria and its current challenges.

Visit to France At the end of the meeting, Çavuşoğlu participated to the Visit to Bulgaria On 9 May 2016, Minister a joint declaration was adopted International Syria Support Group Minister of Foreign Affairs of Foreign Affairs Çavuşoğlu which includes commitments to (ISSG) Meeting in Vienna. ISSG Çavuşoğlu attended the 126th Session participated in the Ministerial support the rights of the Syrian members aim to contribute to of the Committee of Ministers of Meeting held in Paris to discuss people, to ensure the political the efforts of political stabilisation the Council of Europe held in Sofia the latest developments in transition based on the full and to the fight against terrorism. on 18 May 2016. During the session Syria. Along with the French implementation of the Geneva During the meeting, Minister entitled “Democratic Security Foreign Minister which was Communiqué, the promotion of Çavuşoğlu informed about the for All in Europe in Challenging hosting the meeting of the the respect for a democratic and developments in Syria. After the Times”, the leaders discussed about Friends of Syria Group and pluralistic Syria and to enhance ISSG Meeting, Minister Çavuşoğlu migration, the fight against terrorism, Turkey, representatives of the actions regarding humanitarian aid. met Austrian Foreign Minister intolerance, xenophobia and United States, the UK, the EU, Sebastian Kurz to discuss the discrimination in Europe. Minister Germany, Italy, Egypt, the UAE, Visit to Austria visa liberalisation process, the Çavuşoğlu stressed that solidarity Qatar and Saudi Arabia were During his visit on 17 May situation in Syria and bilateral is imperative in tackling these also invited to the meeting. 2016, Minister of Foreign Affairs relations. challenges faced by the EU.

FORMER MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS BOZKIR’S VISITS TO EU Former Minister for EU Affairs the European Parliament Martin together with the Secretary General for Turkish citizens in the Schengen Enlargement Negotiations Johannes and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır Schulz and some Members of the of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn area. After his visit to Strasbourg, Hahn. Afterwards, the then Minister paid an official visit to Strasbourg on Parliament representing different Jagland. the then Minister Bozkır went to Bozkır also came together with 10-12 May 2016 to meet with officials political groups. The then Minister During his meeting with Brussels on 12-13 May 2016. He met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister from the European Commission, the Bozkır also met with the European European officials, the then Minister separately with High Representative of Foreign Affairs and European European Parliament and the Council Commissioner responsible for Bozkır exchanged views on the latest of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders. of Europe. Migration, Home Affairs and developments in Turkey-EU relations Security Policy and Vice-President of The agenda items of these meetings During his visit to Strasbourg, Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos. with a special focus on the recent the European Commission Federica were mainly on the state of play the then Minister Bozkır met During his visit to Strasbourg, the proposal made by the European Mogherini and Commissioner for in Turkey-EU relations and the visa separately with the President of then Minister Bozkır also came Commission regarding visa-free travel European Neighbourhood Policy and liberalisation process.

COMMISSION STEPPED UP RESOURCES FOR FACILITY FOR REFUGEES IN TURKEY he Commission announced on which has been contracted within the deliver further support to Syrian nationals T26 May 2016 that it would deliver framework of the Facility has nowadays who are benefiting from the temporary an extra 47 million euros within the reached almost 240 million euros. protection status in Turkey. Within the framework of the Facility for Refugees This commitment is part of the Framework of the Facility, the EU has fund. In that context, it has been accelerated implementation of the committed to provide an initial 3 billion explained that 20 million euros will be Facility for Refugees which both parties euros of additional resources aimed at allocated to increase the capacity of the had agreed on 18 March 2016. The helping the refugees currently in Turkey. Turkish Coast Guard and 27 million euros Facility for Refugees in Turkey had been The Commission also added that further in order to further facilitate the refugees’ established by the Commission with funding for this particular programme access to education. Moreover, the the aim of coordinating actions that are will be followed in the upcoming Commission added that the total amount financed in the terrain and to be able to months.

Issue 19 • May 2016 7 19 65 ISSUE: 19 MAY 2016 19 65

THE SCHUMAN DECLARATION: THE FOUNDING ACT OF A UNITED EUROPE Each year on the 9 May, European institutions, leaders and the common public celebrate what constitutes the first step towards the building of a united Europe.

Deniz Servantie, IKV Junior Researcher his declaration: “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a On the 9th May 1950, the then single plan. It will be built through OMinister of Foreign Affairs of concrete achievements which first the Fourth French Republic, Robert create a de facto solidarity. The Schumann, released a statement coming together of the nations of which would later go down in Europe requires the elimination history as the founding act of the of the age-old opposition of political and economic integration of France and Germany”. Indeed, the Europe. Inspired and for the majority reintegration of a democratic and drafted by his fellow compatriot peaceful Germany was seen by the Jean Monnet, this was a proposal victors of WWII as one of the main which initially placed French and conditions to successfully achieve German production of coal and the project of a united Europe. In steel under one single and common 1951, the Treaty of Paris would as High Authority. Just five years after such bring together the six original the successful annihilation of Nazi countries of the project (France, Germany and Fascist Italy, the idea West Germany, Benelux and Italy) behind was that coal and steel, under the heading of the European which are key materials needed Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). in waging a war should be put in In 1957, through the Treaty of common so as to definitely put Rome establishing the European an end to the risk of a new war Economic Community (EEC), had been foreseen by Schuman, Turkey’s EU Membership Turkey through its geostrategic devastating Europe. Schuman nations would further foster their in 1957, the Treaty of Rome had Perspective location, strong economy along envisaged such an organisation to economic cooperation. The key established the European Economic Undoubtedly, the Schuman with effective foreign policy. Whilst be open to the participation of other architects of this rapprochement Community (EEC) along with Declaration also has a special welcoming the revitalisation of European countries. Nonetheless, it were mostly pro-European leaders the European Atomic Energy meaning for Turkey. Turkey, a key relations between the parties, is of utmost importance to remind who had been involved in federalist Community (EURATOM). In 1967, and long standing partner of Minister Çavuşoğlu also alluded to that in the context of burgeoning groups in the 1920s and 1930s. with what is widely known as the the EU, has consistently shown growing anti-migrant sentiments tensions between the two main French federalists played a driving “Merger Treaty”, the executive its willingness to be a part of and the increasing trend of victors of the Second World War, force in that respect: Jean Monnet bodies of the ECSC, the EEC and the greater European family xenophobia within the EU. In the United States and the Soviet and Robert Schuman had been the EURATOM would be combined and adheres to the principles this respect, he emphasised the Union, and the then clear division main players embodying the idea of together to form one single elaborated in the declaration. As need for the EU to take effective of Europe through the iron curtain a united Europe. institutional structure. Further such, it is of utmost importance measures in accordance with the (as Winston Churchill had coined The Schuman Declaration intergovernmental bodies and that EU membership remains EU principle of “Unity in Diversity”. it in his famous speech at Fulton), effectively marked the beginning areas of activities were created a strategic objective of Turkey The then Minister for EU such an integration process would of a post-WWII political landscape later and which subsequently led for the upcoming years and has Affairs and Chief Negotiator only concern countries west of the in Europe. The main actors to the creation of the European remained as such for many years. Volkan Bozkır emphasised on 9 iron curtain. Through the Marshall which played an overarching Union in 1993 through the Treaty of At the occasion of Europe Day, May 2016 Turkey’s strategic role Plan, the United States would role in European integration Maastricht. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt bridging Europe and Asia and its actively support the economic were consisting of France and The Declaration as of today Çavuşoğlu and the then Minister significance in contributing to reconstruction of Europe as to serve Germany. As such, the founder of remains one of the key founding for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator the strengthening of universal as a bulwark against possible Soviet the Fifth French Republic Charles events of the EU and of the Volkan Bozkır lodged messages values such as human rights expansionism towards Western de Gaulle and Chancellor of the development of European political respectively, commemorating the and solidarity between different Europe. newly established Federal Republic and economic integration. In event and pointing out to Turkey’s peoples. He further underlined of Germany (then known more 1985, under the presidency of EU membership perspective. that Turkey’s EU membership The Development of a colloquially as West Germany) the European Commission of the As such, in his message, actually constitutes a natural United Europe Konrad Adenauer would symbolise Frenchman Jacques Delors, the Minister Çavuşoğlu highlighted consequence of its very special In his declaration, Schuman the reconciliation between the leaders of the European Council Turkey’s continued efforts history and geography. Moreover, did clearly specify that by bringing former wartime powers. The had met in Milan as to decide upon towards EU membership and the then Minister Bozkır stressed together common economic declaration would also provide the symbols of the Community. touched upon the reforms that Turkey’s determination in interests of the European countries, the basis for the creation and thus They thus adopted those that had have been realised by Turkey in a promoting further development of it would be possible later to achieve institutionalisation of European been previously chosen within variety of areas in that respect. He Turkey-EU relations, touching upon gradual political integration, as a integration with the establishment the framework of the Council of highlighted that the EU project the momentum gained recently condition for the normalisation and of the European Commission, the Europe and stated that the 9th May which is overall a project which in accession negotiations as both pacification of relations between European Parliament, the Council of would be known as “Europe Day”, has ensured peace and stability parties have common interests and former warring countries. As such, Ministers and the European Court commemorating the Schuman in the whole European continent face common challenges such as Schuman explained the following in of Justice. In further steps that Declaration. would gain significantly from the migration crisis.

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8 Issue 19 • May 2016