IKV’s Trustee Organisations:

19 65

ISSUE: 57 JANUARY 2020 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] EU’S YOUNGEST MEMBER STATE AT THE HELM: THE CROATIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE EU Croatia is presiding over the Council at a highly critical time with the EU’s agenda likely to be dominated by Brexit and the talks on the next long-term EU budget.

n 1 January 2020, the EU’s Grlić Radman during a visit to Turkey youngest Member State ahead of Croatia’s EU Presidency last OCroatia assumed the rotating month, voiced optimism that new Presidency of the Council of the EU for chapters could be opened in Turkey’s the very first time. The EU Presidency EU accession talks during Croatia’s term is regarded as a historic moment for presidency. Ankara’s main expectation Croatia which became the EU’s 28th is for Zagreb to work for eliminating the Member State on 1 July 2013. Croatia obstacles to Turkey’s EU membership is the second ex-Yugoslav country process and contribute to the along with Slovenia and the first revitalisation of Turkey-EU relations. Western Balkan country to join the EU. As it is known, while Croatia Following its EU membership, and Turkey started accession talks Croatia has prioritised deeper simultaneously on 3 October 2005, integration with the EU. To this end, Turkey’s path towards EU membership Zagreb has been moving towards has been complicated by political adopting the single currency and vetoes in the Council resulting in an membership into the . impasse in its accession negotiations. In November 2019, the European The weakening of the EU anchor and Commission confirmed that Croatia controversial statements by some had fulfilled the technical criteria EU leaders have in turn translated to join the passport-free Schengen into a weaker reform momentum area. To accede to the Schengen in Turkey. The relations have been area however, Zagreb must now further strained by the recent seek the approval of the European conclusions Council which could prove difficult as issues requiring Croatia’s attention. Plenković, to ensure that EU programs accession negotiations with Albania imposing sanctions on Turkey over suggested by the cases of Romania Additionally, the EU’s agenda is likely and policies continue to operate swiftly and North Macedonia, ensuring a its hydrocarbon drilling activities in and Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Zagreb to be dominated by the UK’s looming it is imperative that an agreement on green light for launching accession the Eastern Mediterranean, criticisms has applied for joining the so-called departure from EU membership and the 2021-2027 MFF is reached as a talks with the two Western Balkan concerning Turkey’s counter-terrorism waiting room the Exchange the negotiations on the EU’s long-term matter of urgency. The Conference on countries is an urgent priority for operation in northern Syria and Rate Mechanism II (ERM II) and is budget for 2021-2027 known as the the Future of Europe, which is among Zagreb. The Council is set to decide the agreements with Libya. In the aiming to adopt the euro no later Multi-Annual Financial Framework the political priorities of the new on the matter prior to the Zagreb meantime, the talks aimed at the than 2024. (MFF). President Ursula Summit most probably by end of modernisation of the Customs With Brexit scheduled for 31 von der Leyen, will also be high on the March. Meanwhile, the Commission Union, which apart from creating a Croatia’s Priorities and EU’s Political January 2020, at the end of the first agenda of the EU during the Croatian is expected to present its proposals win-win situation for the businesses Realities month of its EU Presidency, Croatia EU Presidency. Tasked with defining for the reform of the EU accession on both sides could breathe new life Driven by the motto “A strong is likely to coordinate the efforts the Council’s position on the process, methodology in early February. The into Turkey-EU relations, have been Europe in a world of challenges” Croatia related to the UK’s departure from Zagreb will try to find common ground Commission proposal follows the blocked due to additional political during its first-ever EU presidency in the EU which will be followed by between Member State capitals on so-called French non-paper calling for conditionality introduced by some the first half of 2020, will strive to create negotiations concerning the future the content, scope, composition and a complete overhaul of the accession EU Member States. Visa liberalisation “A Europe that is developing, a Europe relationship framework throughout functioning of the two-year long methodology introducing reversibility for Turkish citizens initially foreseen that connects, a Europe that protects, the transition period. In addition, Conference on the Future of Europe. and the reorganisation of the existing for June 2016 is yet to be realised. and is influential”. Six and a half years during its term presidency, Zagreb negotiations based on chapters into Given the vast mutual interests in into its EU membership, EU’s newest will also try to ensure that the next Enlargement in the Spotlight policy blocks, and counter-proposals a wide range of areas from security Member State Croatia is presiding over MFF retains sufficient level of funding Enlargement is regarded as by the foreign ministers of Austria, and migration to trade and energy, the Council at a highly critical time, for cohesion and agricultural policies a priority dossier for the Croatian Czechia, Estonia, , Latvia, Lithuania, and common challenges requiring just a month after the new European while having the resources necessary EU Presidency. Zagreb aims to use Malta, Poland and Slovenia indicating cooperation between the two sides, Commission led by Ursula von der to deal with emerging challenges. its tenure to push forward with EU that internal EU reform cannot be a the need to restore mutual trust Leyen and the new President of the Finding the middle ground between integration in the Western Balkans. In pre-condition for enlargement. in Turkey-EU relations and put the Charles Michel the demands of net contributors and this regard, the EU-Western Balkans Concerning Turkey-EU relations, accession negotiations back on track took office. Coupled with geopolitical the expectations of net beneficiaries in Summit scheduled for 7 May 2020 is Zagreb promises to push for a has never been so urgent. We hope uncertainty, rising populism in EU the negotiations over the 2021-2027 regarded as a major milestone. Given constructive dialogue between that the Croatian EU Presidency will Member States and environmental MFF will be a key challenge. According the recent stalemate caused by the Turkey and the EU. Croatia’s Foreign contribute to creating a new positive challenges, there are plethora of to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej controversial French veto on opening and European Affairs Minister Gordan agenda in Turkey-EU relations. 1965 2020

19 65 1 1965 ISSUE: 57 JANUARY 2020 9 65 2018

IKV AGENDA

IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU ATTENDED THE ICI ASSEMBLY MEETING

IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU HOSTED A DINNER IN HONOUR OF EP SÁNCHEZ AMOR

n 20 January 2020, IKV Chairman Ayhan Research Director Çisel İleri were among the OZeytinoğlu hosted a working dinner in participants of the working dinner. The event honour of the EP Rapporteur on Turkey Nacho provided an opportunity for an exchange of Sánchez Amor who was on his first official visit views on the latest developments in Turkey-EU to Turkey. The working dinner brought together relations, the modernisation of the Customs representatives of the business community and Union, cooperation on refugees and migration EP’s newly appointed Turkey Rapporteur. management. The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation In the context of his first official visit to the to Turkey Eleftheria Pertzinidou, IKV Vice-Chair country, EP’s new Turkey Rapporteur Sánchez Zeynep Bodur Okyay, IKV Steering Committee Amor came together with political party Member Tuncay Şahin, IKV Secretary General leaders, mayors, academics, representatives of Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, Strategy and Business the business community and civil society, and Development Director M. Gökhan Kilit and members of the media. KV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu attended Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasised that the Ithe January Assembly meeting of world needed a fair and stable growth Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) on the model while a new economic and legal IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU ASSESSED issues of education, quality and R&D on infrastructure was established. Finally, 22 January 2020. The Union of Chambers TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu shared and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey his insights into the Turkish economy. THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL (TOBB) President and EUROCHAMBRES Underlining his expectation of 5 percent Vice-President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, ICI growth for the last quarter of the year, KV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu assessed the President Erdal Bahçıvan, President of the Hisarcıklıoğlu referred to cyber-attacks as European Green Deal and its importance for I ICI Assembly and IKV Vice-Chair Zeynep an important risk factor and stated that Turkey and issued the following statement on 17 Bodur Okyay as well as IKV Secretary- precautions needed to be taken against January 2020: General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas and them. TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu “The new European Commission, led by IKV Strategy and Business Development concluded his speech by indicating that , identified the European Director M. Gökhan Kilit participated in Turkey’s Automobile project would act as Green Deal as a top priority. In this context, the the meeting. a role model for the transformation of the EU has committed to cut off all greenhouse gas In his address to the ICI Assembly, industry. emissions to net-zero by 2050. Moreover, the TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu ICI President Erdal Bahçıvan also Commission declared an investment plan worth focused on digital economy, education, touched upon the future of the economy one trillion euros to fund the deal. The investment the EU and R&D. In his speech, TOBB and technology in his speech. He said plan, which includes EU financial instruments, EU’s green strategy changes regulations on the President Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that a production-oriented approach to as well as public and private sector investments, EU Single Market. The shift to renewable energy, that investing in education is in fact the economy should be made dominant aims to fund the transformation of the economy waste management and emission controls are investing in the future. TOBB President in order to reduce future concerns in for the next 10 years. It is expected that a new law, being adopted as objectives defined in the circular Hisarcıklıoğlu shared some figures an era of transformation. He continued which obliges all EU Member States to comply economy. This situation will also affect EU’s trade underlining TOBB’s contribution to by underlining that a new world was with greenhouse gas emission reductions, will be strategy. The EU is planning to be the world’s top education. According to Hisarcıklıoğlu, taking shape through changes occurring discussed in March. EU policies will be reviewed in producer of eco-friendly goods and technologies. TOBB invested 270 million dollars in in various fields, including science and line with this requirement. The use of fossil fuel will Trade policy will be the one of the fundamental education in 81 cities across Turkey. TOBB technology. ICI President Bahçıvan be reduced while the use of sustainable energy instruments for realising this objective. The clauses President Hisarcıklıoğlu also touched indicated that information, innovation and will be encouraged. Poland is the only country in trade agreements such as the ratification and upon the current global and national quality had a crucial position during this which has not ratified the European Green Deal, full compliance to the Paris Climate Agreement, economic outlook. period of change. He said: “Industrialism is yet. Even though it is a difficult process, we think and the introduction of a carbon border tax, will TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said rising in value again throughout the world that EU’s plans for the next 10 years will be shaped affect Turkey as much as EU’s other trade partners. that every except the USA was with a next-generation understanding in accordance with the European Green Deal.” Moreover, a new strategy is being developed for expected to increase its growth in while competitiveness is increasing day IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also indicated that agriculture and new clauses will apply to trade in 2020-2021 including Turkey. Mentioning by day. In such a period, we believe that the European Green Deal will have important agricultural products. These changes will affect the high borrowing rates, TOBB President Turkey should move towards a newer consequences for Turkey: “Both decision-makers rules of our export with the EU. At the same time, Hisarcıklıoğlu continued as follows: “The and broader approach.” In this regard, ICI and the business community in Turkey should there will be new opportunities in terms of eco- world had never been in this much debt President Bahçıvan brought up qualified closely follow the developments related to the friendly technologies and production standards. before and this level of indebtedness and sustainable growth as a necessary European Green Deal. As an EU candidate country We have to analyse these developments and we carries a high level of risk.” TOBB President element. and a contracting party to the Customs Union, should not lose time in their adaptation.”

 ISSUE 57 . January 2020 1965 2020

19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 2018 IKV AGENDA TIMELINE JANUARY 2020 Croatia assumed the six-month 1 “MERKEL’S VISIT AHEAD OF GERMANY’S rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. 2 EU PRESIDENCY HAS GREAT 3 IMPORTANCE” 4 erman Chancellor Gvisited Turkey on 24 January 2020. IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu 5 assessed Merkel’s visit in terms of Turkish-German ties and Turkey-EU Italian Minister for 6 relations. He made the following Foreign Affairs and statement: International Cooperation “German Chancellor Merkel’s Di Maio visited Turkey. 7 Turkey visit is of great importance. Germany is a key country for our The Turkish and Russian 8 relations with the EU and our Presidents formally inaugurated bilateral relations with Germany hold the TurkStream gas pipeline. significance both in economic and 9 political terms. Germany is our major export market in the EU. Moreover, these difficulties.” of the high-level dialogue meetings 10 German companies investing Stating that priority should be which constitute important dialogue in Turkey enable our industrial given to launching the negotiations channels between Turkey and the production to take part within EU for the modernisation of the Customs EU as well as addressing the reforms President of the European 11 value chains. Even though these ties Union, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu which could revive accession Council Michel visited Turkey. have recently weakened as a result continued his remarks as follows: negotiations, would make Germany’s 12 of political issues, the two countries “Receiving Germany’s green light EU term presidency more efficient for remain indispensable partners. It is will be decisive for launching our country.” Italian Prime Minister Conte IKV visited the American vital for us to get Germany’s backing the negotiations aimed at the Reminding that during Germany’s 13 paid a working visit to Turkey. Business Forum in Turkey in Turkey’s EU accession process. In modernisation of the Customs Union previous EU Presidency in 2007 three (AmCham Turkey/ABFT). addition, at a time when geopolitical which constitutes an area that can chapters were opened in Turkey’s EU 14 balances are rapidly changing, it is create a win-win situation and mark accession negotiations, IKV Chairman necessary to maintain cooperation progress towards a positive agenda Zeytinoğlu concluded his statement and dialogue on issues such as in Turkey-EU relations. As insistently with the following remarks: “Germany 15 IKV participated in the closing ensuring security in the Eastern underscored by representatives and Turkey are two countries with meeting of the Customs Union Mediterranean, stability in Libya and from both European and Turkish strong historic, economic and social 16 for SMEs Project. the future of Syria.” business communities in all Turkey- ties. Today, we see once again how IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also EU High Level Economic Dialogue important it is to cooperate regarding IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu issued underlined the importance of meetings, the negotiations for the the developments in countries like 17 a press release on the European Germany’s upcoming Presidency modernisation of the Customs Syria and Libya as well as on regional Green Deal. of the EU Council scheduled for the Union should be launched with no and international issues. As such, 18 second half of this year: “As it is known, further delay. The modernisation the Turkey-EU Statement developed Germany will assume the rotating of the Customs Union has a great upon the joint initiative of Germany World leaders gathered in Berlin Presidency of the EU on 1 July 2020 importance for the economic and and Turkey, clearly shows that we can to discuss the Libyan crisis. 19 and shape the EU’s agenda until the commercial integration between cooperate efficiently in finding viable EP’s new Turkey Rapporteur end of the year. We think that this Turkey and EU. Furthermore, at a time solutions to the mutual problems we Sánchez Amor visited Turkey. 20 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu hosted period should be utilised in the most of increasing global uncertainty and face. For these reasons, Germany’s EP’s new Turkey Rapporteur at a efficient way in terms of Turkey-EU trade wars, it will enlarge the market EU Presidency is an important World’s economic elite attended working dinner. relations. The recent years have been for both sides, increase mutual profits opportunity for us to improve both 21 the 50th annual meeting of the marked by increasing tension in and prevent one-sided trade and our bilateral relations with Germany World Economic Forum. the relations and stagnation in the commercial advantages. Moreover, and our relations with the EU. If Turkey 22 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu Turkey’s EU accession talks. Mutual the realisation of visa liberalisation rapidly returns to the reform process, attended the Istanbul Chamber efforts by Turkey and Germany would upon the successful fulfilment of the we can make the most of Germany’s of Industry January Assembly be extremely effective in overcoming 23 six remaining criteria, the resumption EU term presidency.” meeting. German Chancellor Merkel paid a working visit to Turkey. 24 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu issued IKV PARTICIPATED IN THE CUSTOMS UNION a statement on the occasion 25 of German Chancellor Merkel’s FOR SMES MEETING Turkey visit. 26 KV Secretary General Assoc. IProf. Çiğdem Nas, Strategy and Business Development Director 27 M. Gökhan Kilit and Research Director Çisel İleri participated 28 in the closing meeting of IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu commented on US President the Customs Union for SMEs EP approved the UK’s Withdrawal Issue 25 • December 2016 3 Project on 16 January 2020. Agreement from the EU. 29 Trump’s Middle East plan.

IKV Secretary General Assoc. Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu Prof. Çiğdem Nas moderated visited Bulgaria. 30 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu issued the panel session entitled “New Perspectives on the Brexit Day: The UK formally left a statement on Brexit and its the EU marking the start of an Modernisation of the Customs 31 implications for Turkey. Union”. 11-month transition period.

ISSUE 57 . January 2020  1965 2020

19 65 1 1965 ISSUE: 57 JANUARY 2020 9 65 2018

IKV AGENDA “TURKEY SHOULD STRENGTHEN TIES WITH THE POST-BREXIT EU”

n a statement following the EP’s Iapproval of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement on 29 January 2020, IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu commented on the significance of Brexit and its implications for Turkey. He made the following statement: “As of January 31, we will encounter a Union of 27 Member States. The EP approved the UK Withdrawal Agreement in a very emotional session. A transition period has been envisaged until the end of 2020. During this period, an agreement would be negotiated to determine IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU the conditions of the new relationship COMMENTED ON US PRESIDENT between the UK and the EU. In other words, this new agreement needs TRUMP’S MIDDLE EAST PLAN to be agreed within 11 months. The scope of the agreement by including wars, the proliferation of protectionist transition period could be extended new sectors. Until now, our citizens measures endanger value-chains. In n 29 January 2020, IKV into consideration of the position for 1 year or 2 years once. The EU side have used the right of residence this context, our trade and economic Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu of the Palestinian side, would states that an extension would be granted by the Ankara Agreement relations should be strengthened O commented on US President not bring sustainable peace. He necessary; however, UK Prime Minister concluded between Turkey and the by modernising the Customs Union. Donald Trump’s Middle East plan. continued as follows: Boris Johnson claims the opposite. then EEC in 1963. Upon leaving the EU, As a beginning, rapid reforms in the Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated “Naturally, finding a fair We will most probably confront tough the UK will no longer be a party to this administrative field, justice sector and that the plan was one-sided and and comprehensive solution to negotiations, once again. The UK will agreement; therefore a new agreement fundamental rights are compulsory solely designed to uphold Israel’s Israeli-Palestinian conflict is very continue implementing EU laws until to be negotiated between Turkey and for launching the process of security. Indicating that a peace important for stability in the the end of the transition period. The the UK is to replace it. It is important modernisation of the Customs Union process which excludes the region; however, the solution new agreement, which is planned to note that because of the Customs and normalisation of the relations with Palestinians will be a stillborn one, cannot be reached by unilateral to be signed with the UK, needs to Union, we will have to wait until the EU EU. Furthermore, after Brexit, Turkey IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu made imposition of one side. Trump be approved by the EP. Therefore, we has concluded its own agreement with would be losing a Member State the following remarks: aims to create a fait accompli and have a difficult and ambiguous period the UK. However, we have to be alert, supporting its EU accession bid. France’s “US President Trump’s Middle impose a solution on this issue ahead of us.” proactive and determine our position approach is obvious. French President East plan, which he presented without addressing the essence of IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu tediously during these negotiations. has continuously as the ‘Deal of the Century’, is the problem. That is not the way reminded that the new agreement, Besides EU, we are among the stressed his preference for a restoration unfortunately far from bringing to ensure sustainable peace.” which is planned to be signed by the countries that are expected to be most of a new partnership with Turkey. peace to the region. As in the IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu UK and the EU after Brexit, is important negatively affected from Brexit. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel case of Trump’s decision to move also reminded the “Industry for for Turkey, too: “The UK is our second the Turkish business community, we was also supportive of a privileged the US Embassy to Jerusalem, Peace Initiative” in Jenin and largest trading partner within the will continue to work together with partnership; however she did not we see that the issue is only highlighted the need for the EU and a very important investor in the Turkish Trade Ministry during this reflect her position on the negotiations. considered from the Israeli business community to take Turkey. According to recent data, process.” As of 1 July, Germany will assume perspective and the injustice action to address poverty and UK ranks the 6th with a share of 6.2 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu the rotating Presidency of the EU. We and unfairness suffered by the exclusion issues in the region, percent. The prospective agreement concluded his statement by touching should make the most of this six-month Palestinians is disregarded. Behind and said that investments to the between Turkey and the UK which is upon post-Brexit Turkey-EU relations period and take the necessary steps Trump’s moves, lie domestic region should be encouraged. IKV going to replace the Customs Union and said the following: “The EU to work together with Germany for political concerns. Trump aims Chairman Zeytinoğlu also pointed is important for Turkey. We both have maintains its economic and political revitalising Turkey-EU relations and to divert attention away from his out that investments to the region to maintain the current level in our importance. In this period that started launching the process of modernisation ongoing impeachment process could facilitate a political solution. bilateral relations and enlarge the with the US President Trump’s trade of the Customs Union.” and to prepare for the upcoming Zeytinoğlu underlined that election campaign. We find it Turkey’s approach towards the extremely wrong that he is using Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its IKV VISITED THE AMERICAN BUSINESS the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, support for the two-state solution an issue that concerns peace in is compatible with the position of FORUM IN TURKEY the whole region, as a domestic the EU. Zeytinoğlu suggested that policy tool.” Turkey should cooperate and act n 13 January 2020, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu in coordination with the EU on OIKV Secretary General also indicated that Trump’s plan peace efforts and concluded his Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas and was not compatible with the remarks with the following words: IKV Strategy and Business long-standing position of the UN “The approach of the EU Development Director and undermined key principles differs from that of the US. M. Gökhan Kilit visited such as the two-state solution, The EU supports the two-state the American Business prevention of the expansion solution proposing a state of Forum in Turkey (AmCham of Israeli settlements, Israel’s Palestine which is independent, Turkey/ABFT) and met with withdrawal from the lands democratic, united and self- AmCham Executive Director occupied since 1967 and the sufficient. In this respect, there are Aslı Özelli. During the return of approximately 6 million some commonalities between meeting, interinstitutional Palestinian refugees. Chairman Turkey’s and EU’s stance. Turkey cooperation opportunities Zeytinoğlu underlined that could coordinate its initiatives between IKV and AmCham creating a fait accompli out of the with the EU in the context of the and joint activity areas were current situation, without taking Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” discussed.

 ISSUE 57 . January 2020 1965 2020

19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 2018

TURKEY-EU WATCH TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN INAUGURATED TURKSTREAM PIPELINE The TurkStream gas pipeline inauguration ceremony was attended by Turkish President Erdoğan, Russian President Putin, Bulgarian Prime Minister Borissov and Serbian President Vučić.

n 8 January 2020, President During the inauguration ORecep Tayyip Erdoğan came ceremony, President Erdoğan together with his Russian counterpart described the TurkStream as a Vladimir Putin in Istanbul to project of historic importance for inaugurate the TurkStream gas relations between Turkey and Russia pipeline which will carry Russian and highlighted that Turkey has natural gas to southern Europe not allowed divergence in opinions through Turkey. Serbian President with Russia to rule out common Aleksandar Vučić and Bulgarian Prime interests. In his speech, President Minister Boyko Borissov also attended Erdoğan underlined the ambition the inauguration ceremony. to make Turkey a “global energy In the first line of this landmark hub” and expressed that Turkey has energy project, it is expected that never sought regional tensions. He 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas touched upon the controversial deal would directly enter Turkey which signed by Greece, Israel, and the is expected to meet the natural gas Greek Cypriot Administration on 3 needs of 15 million households. January 2020 for the EastMed project, In the second line of the project, and stressed that any project in the another 15.75 billion cubic meters of Eastern Mediterranean excluding natural gas will be transferred to the Turkey had no chance of being European market, especially south- realised. Speaking at the ceremony, eastern European countries such as Russian President Putin stated that Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, despite the tendencies towards Serbia and Hungary. With the raising tension in the region -referring project, Moscow aims to reduce to the current circumstances in Syria shipment expenses by bypassing and Libya- Turkey and Russia aimed Ukraine. at the opposite.

DIPLOMATIC TRAFFIC BETWEEN CONDOLENCES POURED IN TO ITALY AND TURKEY INTENSIFIED TURKEY OVER DEADLY EARTHQUAKE EU officials and leaders from around the world extended condolence and solidarity messages to Turkey after a deadly earthquake hit Elazığ.

earthquake. Copernicus satellite mapping service for emergencies was activated at the request of Turkish authorities to help the first responders on the ground. The Commissioner also expressed the EU’s readiness to provide further support. On 26 January, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European n January, diplomatic traffic between Accord in Libya. Commission Vice-President spoke IItaly and Turkey intensified and two key Later, on 13 January, Italian Prime to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Italian officials visited Turkey. On 7 January Minister paid a working and offered EU’s condolences and reiterated the 2020, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs visit to Turkey in order to meet with ondolence and solidarity messages from EU support and solidarity of EU in the wake of the and International Cooperation Luigi Di President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Cofficials and state leaders from all around Elazığ earthquake. It was reported that the two also Maio paid an official visit to Ankara and developments in Libya, the situation the world have poured in to Turkey after a took the occasion to discuss the current situation met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt in Syria and bilateral relations between deadly earthquake hit Elazığ, eastern Turkey on in the region as well as the recent developments in Çavuşoğlu. The two foreign ministers Turkey and Italy were the main issues on 24 January 2020 at 20:55 local time. The 6.8- the Middle East, the Gulf and Libya. discussed regional developments the agenda of the meeting. Speaking magnitude earthquake with its epicentre located US President Donald Trump, Russian President including the Libyan crisis. at the joint press conference following in Elazığ’s Sivrice district has claimed at least 41 Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Italy, being a Mediterranean country the meeting, President Erdoğan stated lives and over 1,500 people were injured. Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the number one destination for that Turkey and Italy had been working The for Crisis German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hungarian refugees coming from Libya, is an together for a permanent ceasefire in Management Janez Lenarčič, in a statement on President Janos Áder, Bulgarian Prime Minister important stakeholder regarding the Libya. For his part, Italian Prime Minister behalf of the European Commission, extended Boyko Borissov, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos latest developments in Libya. Even Conte underscored that Italy and Turkey his condolences and expressed solidarity with the Mitsotakis as well as the foreign ministers of though there are divisions between were involved in the Berlin Conference people and authorities of Turkey, adding that the Estonia, Sweden, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, France and Italy that prevent the EU from under the UN auspices for a solution. Both 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre North Macedonia were among the many officials taking a uniform position, Italy and Turkey parties expressed their determination to was in immediate contact with the Turkish Civil extending their condolence and solidarity both support the Government of National make the ceasefire last in Libya. Protection authorities since the early hours of the messages to Turkey.

ISSUE 57 . January 2020  1965 2020

19 65 ISSUE: 39 APRIL 2018 1 1965 ISSUE: 57 JANUARY 2020 9 65 2018

TURKEY-EU WATCH EP RAPPORTEUR PAID HIS FIRST VISIT TO TURKEY

uropean Parliament’s newly-appointed ETurkey Rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor paid his first visit to Turkey on 20-21 January 2020. Sánchez Amor has been appointed as EP Standing Rapporteur on Turkey in September 2019. He is well-acquainted with Turkey due to his previous assignment as special coordinator of OSCE and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly during the June 2018 and November 2015 elections. TURKEY AND GREECE He is a member of the EP’s Committee for Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee for CONDEMNED THE Human Rights, Delegation of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for Turkey, and PROVOCATION BY MEP Delegation of the EURONEST Assembly. In the context of his visit, Sánchez Amor met eactions against far-right Greek MEP Ioannis Lagos with government representatives, members Turkey-EU Customs Union, completion of the EP Rapporteur Sánchez Amor talked Rpoured in after he committed a disgraceful and of the TGNA, party leaders, mayors, and visa liberalisation process for Turkish citizens, about the importance of Turkey-EU relations unacceptable act by ripping a Turkish flag during the EP representatives of civil society organisations and refugee cooperation. IKV Chairman and keeping Turkey’s EU accession process plenary session on migrants on 30 January 2020. His action in Istanbul, Gaziantep and Ankara. Zeytinoğlu stressed the importance of on track. He emphasised that Turkey should was condemned by both Turkish and Greek officials. Turkish During his visit, Sánchez Amor came Turkey-EU ties for the business organisations remain a candidate country despite the Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu described the action together with representatives of Turkish in Turkey and said that economic and current difficulties in EU-Turkey relations. as a racist one and called on the EP to take the necessary business organisations in a working dinner commercial ties should be strengthened He dwelled on the need to communicate measures against Lagos. Likewise, the Greek Ministry of organised by IKV. The dinner was chaired via the modernisation of the Customs more and better in order to deal with trust Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the action by IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu and Union relationship. He also talked about the issues between the EU and Turkey and revive and stating that such actions carried out by Neo-Nazis did attended by representatives of Union of importance of visa liberalisation as a factor political dialogue not only at the political not conform to Greek and European values. EP’s Turkey Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of that would enhance civil society dialogue level, but also at the local level and between Rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor indicated that nothing Turkey (TOBB), Foreign Economic Relations and business contacts between Turkey civil society actors. He underlined that the could justify such an action and far-right narratives and Board (DEIK), and Independent Industrialists and the EU. Zeytinoğlu also expressed the EU should maintain a credible accession actions are not compatible with Brussels’ stance. and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD). business community’s expectation of a perspective while Turkey should engage in A former member of Greek far-right Golden Dawn During the meeting, the discussions revival of Turkey’s EU accession negotiations a process of reforms in the areas of the rule Party, Lagos was arrested twice and was sentenced to eight included ways to revitalise Turkey’s EU with the aim of Turkey’s integration into the of law, independence of the judiciary, and months in jail after he had been found guilty of attacking a accession negotiations, modernisation of the EU as a member. fundamental rights. community centre hosting asylum-seekers in Athens in 2013. TURKEY ANNOUNCED A NEW DRILLING OPERATION IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Mediterranean hydrocarbon drilling activities in a statement by Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano, claiming Turkey’s drilling activities in the so-called EEZ of the Greek Cypriot Administration were unauthorised. It was argued that Turkey’s intention to WIKIPEDIA RESTORED launch further exploration and drilling activities were contrary to the steps IN TURKEY AFTER towards creating an environment conducive to dialogue. CONSTITUTIONAL COURT Turkey reacted with a statement reminding that as the co-owners of the RULING island, Turkish Cypriots had as much rights as the Greek Cypriots and stated he ban on Wikipedia, an online encyclopaedia, which is regularly that oil and natural gas revenues would Tcontributed by volunteers around the world and hosted by the be shared in the case the reserves were Wikimedia Foundation, was lifted on 15 January 2020 following the urkey announced on 17 January delimitation agreement in September found. Moreover, the statement made Turkish Constitutional Court ruling of 26 December 2019. Wikipedia T2020 that drilling ship Yavuz would 2011 and TPAO was granted licences for reference to the proposal made on 13 was first banned in Turkey on 29 April 2017 following a lower court be dispatched to license area “G” in the hydrocarbon exploration in the seven July 2019 by the TRNC authorities for the decision in Ankara on the grounds that some of its content was south of the island of Cyprus to launch blocks identified by the TRNC. The Greek equitable sharing of the revenues from asserting reliance between Turkey and some terrorist groups. a new drilling operation in line with Cypriot Administration claims that the offshore hydrocarbon resources as an Wikimedia Foundation has brought the issue to Turkish the licenses granted to the Turkish area falls within bloc 8 of its unilaterally important opportunity for a solution. Constitutional Court in May 2017 and later to the European Court of Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) by the declared Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) The EU was criticised for ignoring the Human Rights in May 2019. Finally, the Turkish Constitutional Court Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus divided into 13 blocs where Italy’s ENI existence and rights of Turkish Cypriots. concluded that the administrative and judicial authorities had not (TRNC). As it can be recalled, in response and France’s Total were given drilling Calling on the EU to end its policy based been able to justify the restrictions and underlined the fact that such to unilateral drilling activities initiated rights. on prejudices, Turkey’s determination to a ban would constitute a disproportionate action against freedom by the Greek Cypriot Administration This move was met with criticism protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots of expression. On that note, the decision to lift the ban on Wikipedia of Southern Cyprus, Turkey and by the EU which reiterated its known until the establishment of a cooperation was published in the Official Gazette on 15 January 2020. TRNC had signed a continental shelf position concerning Turkey’s Eastern mechanism was emphasised.

 ISSUE 57 . January 2020 1965 2020

19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 2018

HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES

WORLD LEADERS GATHERED IN BERLIN FOR LIBYA CONFERENCE

n 19 January 2020, President President Emmanuel Macron of ORecep Tayyip Erdoğan attended France, President Abdel Fattah the international conference el-Sisi of Egypt, Prime Minister on Libya co-hosted by German Giuseppe Conte of Italy, President Chancellor Angela Merkel and Félix Tshisekedi of Democratic GERMAN CHANCELLOR MERKEL UN Secretary-General António Congo and President Abdelmadjid Guterres in Berlin. Turkish Foreign Tebboune of Algeria. Also in Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Defence attendance were US Secretary of PAID A WORKING VISIT TO TURKEY Minister Hulusi Akar, Presidential State Michael Pompeo along with Communications Director Fahrettin senior representatives of the EU, erman Chancellor Angela a good example of the cooperation German Chancellor Merkel’s Altun, Hakan Fidan, the head of the African Union, and the Arab GMerkel paid a working visit to between Turkey and Germany. visit to Turkey was also important Turkish Intelligence Organisation, League. Turkey on 24 January 2020 upon the During the visit, the two leaders also in the light of Germany’s upcoming and Turkey’s special envoy to The Berlin Conference was the invitation of Turkish President Recep addressed regional and international presidency of the EU Council Libya Emrullah İşler accompanied latest of many diplomatic attempts Tayyip Erdoğan. During the visit, the issues, especially Libya and Syria. scheduled for the second half of President Erdoğan in his trip to aimed at pushing Libya on a path parties discussed how to strengthen President Erdoğan thanked Chancellor this year. The Turkey-EU Statement, Berlin. to peace. All participating parties bilateral relations between Turkey and Merkel for hosting the Libya peace the future of EU financial assistance Leaders of a dozen of countries signed a 55-point communiqué, in Germany. conference, which was held two to Turkey, modernisation of the with interests in Libya’s long- which they pledged to respect an President Erdoğan and Chancellor days earlier than her visit to Istanbul Customs Union and how Germany running civil war attended the UN-imposed arms embargo, which Merkel inaugurated educational and and expressed his hope that the will shape the EU agenda during its conference, including President has so far failed to stop an influx of social facilities of the Turkish-German international community would not upcoming EU presidency were also Vladimir Putin of Russia, Prime troops, cash and weapons into the University and hailed the university as fall into the mistake it made in Syria. addressed during the visit. Minister Boris Johnson of the UK, oil-rich North African state. on 16 April 2018. In NATO allies’ solidarity YPG, FETÖ and ISIL and the context of the in the fight against all expressed that decisions visit, Stoltenberg kinds of terrorism was regarding enlargement TH came together with emphasised. policy should be taken. 50 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WORLD President Recep Tayyip Following the Lastly, Stoltenberg Erdoğan, Minister of meeting with President met with Minister Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Erdoğan, Stoltenberg of National Defence ECONOMIC FORUM WAS HELD IN DAVOS Çavuşoğlu and Minister came together with Nurettin Canikli. During of National Defence Minister of Foreign the meeting, Minister he 50th Annual Meeting of Nurettin Canikli. Affairs Mevlüt Canikli and NATO Tthe World Economic Forum During the visit, Çavuşoğlu. Minister Secretary General Jens (WEF) was held in Davos on 21-24 NATO Secretary Çavuşoğlu and Secretary Stoltenberg discussed January 2020 under the theme General Stoltenberg General Stoltenberg the cooperation in the “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”. Bringing together the world’s leading academics, politicians, business and civil society leaders, more than 3,000 participants from 117 countries attended this year’s Davos EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT Summit. US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission von der Leyen spoke about teen climate activist Greta Thunberg MICHEL VISITED TURKEY President Ursula von der Leyen, EP climate policy, digital agenda and expressed the urgency of tackling n 11 January 2020, President Recep Erdoğan’s joint declaration with Russian President David Sassoli were among geopolitical issues, and announced climate change and explained that Tayyip Erdoğan received President President Putin on the ceasefire the most prominent leaders to O the European Green Deal as concrete and quick steps should of the European Council Charles Michel and support for the Berlin process. address the WEF. the EU’s new growth strategy. be taken. who was on a visit to Turkey. Michel’s According to the press release issued In his address to the WEF, US Meanwhile, EP President David Foreign Minister Mevlüt visit to Turkey marked his first foreign by the Council, European Council President Donald Trump focused Sassoli drew attention to the social Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Treasury trip since he took office as European President Michel and President mainly on economic issues and dimension of climate change and and Finance Berat Albayrak, Trade Council President in December 2019. Erdoğan conducted an open and rejected the climate emergency expressed that environmental Minister Ruhsar Pekcan and Central The main topics on the agenda of useful dialogue on EU-Turkey relations. which was among the main themes problems were linked to social Bank President Murat Uysal were the closed-door meeting included Moreover, it was emphasised that of this year’s summit. He announced problems which exacerbated the top Turkish officials participating preventing a new cycle of violence in the two sides cooperate on issues that negotiations for the phase-2 social crises. For her part, German in WEF. During the meetings and the Middle East, reducing tensions in of common interest but also openly trade agreement between US and Chancellor Angela Merkel warned sessions held within the scope of Libya, and Turkey-EU relations. address those that divide them. The China would begin very soon. that the achievement of the Paris WEF, they addressed commercial, With regard to Libya, European two leaders agreed to contact regularly Representing the EU, European Agreement would determine the economic and diplomatic issues, Council President Michel welcomed to improve bilateral relations in the Commission President Ursula “survival of the planet”. Swedish including climate change. the constructive language of President interest of both parties.

ISSUE 57 . January 2020  1965 2020

19 65 1 1965 ISSUE: 57 JANUARY 2020 9 65 2018

EXPERT VIEW TURKEY-EU RELATIONS

Erecting walls against Turkey is a deeply mistaken policy because our country is inherently linked to the life and workings of the rest of Europe.

N. Murat ERSAVCI but never fully to Turkey. Whereas, Ambassador (Emeritus) encouragement would transform Center Director, TEPAV Center for Global the nature of our relationship. As the European Commission Economic and Political Policies has repeatedly reminded the Union, the EU as a whole must not only stick to its commitments, but also ith the latest worrying act in accordance with the previous developments on the decisions taken by consensus in its Winternational scene, bodies. No country has ever had I believe it is time for the EU to to defend the decisions previously rethink its policy approach towards taken by the leaders of the EU as Turkey. Both Turkey and the EU face much as Turkey has had to. the same difficulties, especially at Both Turkey and the EU have the moment in the Middle East. much to gain from this long- Together we would have much awaited union. However, the greater strength to influence the input we receive from some of the events to come. In that context, Member States is far from being discussion of “Turkey-EU Relations” satisfactory. will remain incomplete without first The general impression in examining closely the interaction Turkey is that discussions in Europe between Turkey and Europe. are often marked by an overall Turkey and the rest of Europe tendency to make a fairly simple share a common historical heritage cost-benefit analysis. I do not think from ancient times. The major that this is a very healthy or far- currents of modern history that sighted approach. originated in Europe, even those The EU draws its strength like the Renaissance, Reformation, from a shared sense of common Enlightenment, and perhaps And, as you all know, Turkey Then there have been two What remains of this road will destiny, with its common values, especially the French Revolution, has pursued the goal of joining the recent turning points in our be no different. The enlargement of policies and institutions. The EU’s which had a transformative impact European Economic Community relations: the Helsinki European the EU is not an easy process and greatest achievements of the last on the world scene, also played a since 1963, which, in time, has Council decision of December has never been one. A milestone decades, from the “Single Market” key part in the quest for renewal of successfully evolved into today’s 1999, whereby Turkey was in this process is yet to come since to “enlargement”, have all been the Ottoman Empire from which the . declared a candidate country, Turkey will not give up the goal of the results of acting collectively creation of modern Turkey sprang. In our eyes, EU membership and the subsequent step to open joining this peace project in Europe. and responsibly in an inclusive This relationship has had a is part of this strategic process of negotiations with Turkey in October We continue with our work at way. Since the EU began, in the profound impact on both sides. It transformation and modernisation 2005. achieving the opening benchmarks mid-2000s, to erect obstacles and inspired Mozart to compose the of Turkey. These two visionary decisions for future chapters. The reforms will blocks to prevent closer integration “Rondo alla Turca” (Turkish March), When compared with the are also critical for the substantive be completed. The harmonisation by Turkey and progress towards and also Aivazovsky in his paintings existing members of the EU, the transformation of the social, cultural process with the EU is truly all- completing the adoption of the and Pierre Loti in his books. It is road that Turkey took towards and political fabric of Turkey in a encompassing. “Ownership” i.e. acquis, political and diplomatic humanitarian, as the Ottoman accession has been a long one. It direction that Turkish people have making all its details and conditions relations and many aspects of the Empire was also the refuge to has not always been as smooth- deserved and given a political fully our own, has become our situation have got worse, not bad. European Jews so badly sought in running as one would have hoped mandate for. motto in the accession process. Erecting walls against Turkey is a 1492 and again in the late 1930s for, either. More than a decade has passed Our institutions, academia, and civil deeply mistaken policy because and 1940s. It is security, as Turkey Over the years, there were many since the start of the negotiation society and according to the latest our country is inherently linked to has been contributing to NATO or ups and downs. But the direction process with the EU. 16 chapters surveys especially the youth are, the life and workings of the rest of the Common Security and Foreign was towards ever more integration. have been opened and one has despite all the setbacks, engaged Europe. It is only by reversing that Policy (CFSP) or various security The decision to establish a Customs been provisionally closed, a pace with a view to integrating our policy, at least by making a start cooperation arrangements. It is Union in 1995 was an important not reflecting Turkey’s performance. country fully into this modernisation on some key aspects, that tensions economic, as Turkey is Europe’s highlight of this period. Turkey and This is due to the domestic political project. and prejudices on both sides can sixth-largest economy. It certainly is the EU have since been bound by considerations of certain Member But every dance requires a be removed and we can enjoy the political, as the Ottomans were part tight economic links and the Turkish States which have been allowed partner. The EU must commit itself good working relationship which of the Concert of Europe in the economy was fully integrated to to play a hugely disproportionate in a way that encourages candidates will benefit us all. 19th century, while modern Turkey that of the EU. Turkey was and role in EU-Turkey relations. Bringing and also honours promises. We was among the early members of remains the only candidate country our membership process thus far need stability and predictability Editors’ note: A version of this article the Council of Europe in the 20th that has possessed a successful was not easy. The road was full of in the process. This support has was published on TEPAV Günlük on 20 century, joining not long after it was Customs Union with the EU, before obstacles and it required dedication been generously given to waves January 2020 https://www.tepav.org. set up. becoming a member. and hard work to tackle them. of previous accession candidates tr/en/blog/s/6583.

On behalf of IKV: Istanbul Office Preparation for Publication Art Director Printing House: Ayhan Zeytinoğlu Esentepe Mahallesi Harman Sokak Melis Çinçinoğlu Ankara Ofset Editor -in- Chief: TOBB Plaza No: 10 Kat: 7-8 Editor Büyük Sanayi 1. Cadde

Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas 34394 Levent Istanbul/Türkiye Belma Özgen Necatibey İş Hanı Alt Kat No:

5 6 General Director

9 1 Graphic Designer Editorial Directors: Tel: +90 212 270 93 00 Levent Akbay 93/43-44 Faks: +90 212 270 30 22 Cem Demir İskitler - Ankara / TÜRKIYE JANUARY 2020 No: 57 JANUARY Sema Çapanoğlu General Assistant Director Yeliz Şahin E-posta: [email protected] Umutcan Akbay Ahmet Ceran

 ISSUE 57 . January 2020