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ISSUE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] THE FIRST TURKEY-EU HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL DIALOGUE AFTER 15 JULY Turkey-EU High Level Political Dialogue Meeting took place in Ankara on 9 September 2016 and was particularly important as it was the first high level political dialogue to convene after the coup attempt of 15 July in Turkey. he Turkish side was represented Tby Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik while the EU was represented by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. According to Turkey’s Permanent Representation to the EU, the meeting was initially foreseen to take place in Brussels, however after the coup attempt, the EU side proposed to visit Ankara to demonstrate the EU’s solidarity with the Turkish Government. During the meeting, the Turkish side informed their European counterparts on the 15 July coup the need to agree on a solid roadmap on values such as democracy, rule important occasion to reiterate the wide range of areas, Hahn stated that attempt and its aftermath. The parties and stressed that the Turkey-EU of law and human rights. Indicating EU’s unequivocal condemnation of the the high-level dialogues on energy had a constructive discussion on Readmission Agreement, the 18 that accession negotiations are at attempted coup and to stress the EU’s and economy are set to continue and Turkey’s accession talks and Turkey- March refugee deal and the visa the heart of Turkey-EU relations, solidarity with Turkey. According to that the discussions on upgrading EU cooperation in a wide range liberalisation process are interlinked. Çelik called for the opening of Mogherini, the main outcome of the the Customs Union are on track. of areas including the migration Concerning the fight against Chapters 23 and 24 on judiciary meeting was a strong commitment to Hahn confirmed that Turkey and the crisis, counter-terrorism, the visa terrorism, indicating that Turkey is and fundamental rights and justice, dialogue and working together. “We EU have achieved a lot with the 18 liberalisation dialogue and upgrading currently fighting against multiple freedom and security as well as need to talk more with each other, a March refugee deal. Concerning visa the Turkey-EU Customs Union as well terrorist organisations such as PKK, Chapter 15 on energy. Commenting bit less about each other”, Mogherini liberalisation, Hahn stated that finding as on regional issues. FETÖ and ISIL, Foreign Minister on the meeting, Çelik stated that this stated. a solution should be possible. Speaking at the joint press Çavuşoğlu urged the EU to prevent meeting provided an opportunity Commissioner for Enlargement In the context of their visit to conference following the meeting, PKK’s propaganda within the EU for renewing the dialogue between Negotiations Hahn, in his statement, Turkey, Mogherini and Hahn came Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu member states. the parties. Çelik expressed his hope expressed his solidarity with the together with Prime Minister Binali expressed his concerns about the In his statement following the that relations between Turkey and Turkish people. Concerning the rule of Yıldırım and the leaders of the main delivery of the 3+3 billion euro aid for meeting, EU Affairs Minister Çelik, the EU would continue with a new law, Hahn stated that they have been political parties. Mogherini and Hahn Syrian refugees in Turkey and stated underscored that Turkey has a first- momentum and stronger ties. reassured about Turkey’s commitment also visited the shelled sections of that the delivery of the promised aid class democracy and reassured that In the joint press conference, to respect and follow higher standards the Turkish Grand National Assembly should be accelerated. Regarding the despite the State of Emergency in High Representative Mogherini, with respect to the rule of law. and paid tribute to the victims of the visa issue, Çavuşoğlu underscored place, Turkey has not compromised stated that the meeting was an Regarding Turkey-EU cooperation on a attempted coup.

FORMER CHAIRMAN OF IKV REFİK BAYDUR PASSED AWAY AT AGE 87 s IKV, we deeply regret the offer our deepest condolences to 1953 and 1957. He joined the Aloss of one of the doyens his family, his friends and to all of private sector in 1957. He held of the Turkish private sector, the Turkish business community. numerous positions in various the Turkish Confederation of Refik Baydur was born in companies including the Timsan Employers Associations’ (TİSK) Erzincan in 1929. Following the Companies Group. He joined the Honorary President and at the completion of his degree at TİSK Board of Directors in 1964 same time a Former Chairman Istanbul University in the Faculty and was Chairman of TISK Board of our Board of Directors, the of Economy, he worked at of Directors between 1989 and distinguished Refik Baydur. We Akbank and Pamukbank between 2004. 19 65 ISSUE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 1965 19 65 2016

PROLONGING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY THE CUSTOMS UNION TALKS MEETING WAS ORGANISED IN ISTANBUL he state of emergency that has Tbeen declared following the coup attempt of July 15 in Turkey IKV’s EU Information Centre, in cooperation with TÜRKONFED, organised a meeting has been prolonged for a further 3 entitled “The Customs Union Talks” in Istanbul on 21 September 2016. months as of 19 October 2016. The Council of Ministers is empowered to ask for a prolongation of the state of emergency for a period not exceeding 4 months and present it to the approval of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. According to the Turkish Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared in cases of natural disaster, deep economic crisis and/ or the outbreak of widespread cases of violence and the deterioration of public order due to extreme acts of violence. The State of emergency provides extensive powers to the government to rule by executive decrees having the force of law. Since the 15 July coup attempt perpetrated by the FETÖ, widespread dismissals and arrests have been conducted with ithin the framework of Turkish economy would be in a very market vis-à-vis third countries. common financial institutions were a view to eliminating members of Wthe “Support to the EU different situation. He nonetheless However, the EU is more willing needed but the process has not gone this group from the bureaucracy, Information Centres Network explained that the current status to create partnership in areas of in that way and we are now seeing judiciary, education system of Turkey” project, IKV Brussels of the Customs Union was not interest such as the refugee crisis. the current problems with respect to and military apparatus. Several Representative Haluk Nuray and sufficient in dealing with the present Personally, I do believe that the latest the EU. As we can see in the case of companies have been taken over TÜRKONFED Economics Adviser needs. Nuray added the following developments with respect to the Brexit, regional integration policies by the State and placed under Pelin Yenigün Dilek discussed the statement: “The Customs Union’s Cyprus issue are critical in shaping are not providing equal benefits to all trusteeship due to their financial current status of the Customs Union share is a maximum of 25% in the the future of relations”. regions. The system cannot function support to the FETÖ. The infiltration and revealed details pertaining to its total trade between the parties. TÜRKONFED Economy Adviser effectively when the institutions are of bureaucratic and military cadres ongoing modernisation process. The EU is willing also to invest in Pelin Yenigün Dilek referred to the not sufficiently established. There by this group go back a long way IKV Brussels Representative other areas such as agriculture and ongoing discussions with respect to is also the criticism that economic but have intensified since the Haluk Nuray indicated that Turkey’s services. As for Turkey, we would Brexit and its consequences and how integration is only benefiting a small mid-2000s leading finally to the integration into the Customs Union like to find a solution to the issues discussions pertaining to regional fraction of society. The EU needs to recent attempt to take over control had been very productive for its raised by the current status of the integration are going to evolve. Dilek be much more harmonious from the of the country by the use of force. economy and highlighted that agreement and at the same time noted the following: “The euro was current system from the financial and The need to take far-reaching and without the Customs Union, the secure trade advantages in the EU launched to unify the EU. Therefore, political perspective”. immediate measures to eliminate the influence of this organisation from the State administration required the declaration of the state DR. ERDEM WAS AWARDED THE IKV MET WITH YOUNG of emergency. It should also be SPANISH ORDER OF CIVIL MERIT PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN added that the Turkish government is not only fighting to dismantle the n recognition of his EU INSTITUTIONS FETÖ but is also fighting against the Itremendous contributions to PKK in the southeast of the country the development of economic and the ISIS organisation that has cooperation and friendly intensified its terror campaign in relations between Turkey and Turkey in the recent period. Spain, IKV Board of Directors The state of emergency has Member and Spain’s Honorary been in effect in Turkey since 20 Consul in Izmit Dr. Zeynel Abidin July 2016. The state of emergency Erdem has been awarded Spain’s will be prolonged for 90 more days order of civil merit “Encomienda in line with the recommendation de la Orden de Isabel la Catolica” of the National Security Council in a ceremony organised in KV Brussels Representative by the participants. in Turkey. However, as outlined Ankara on 22 September 2016. IHaluk Nuray attended a meeting Participants were also in the joint statement made by IKV Chairman Ayhan organised by the European informed about Turkey’s High Representative Federica Zeytinoğlu also attended the relationship between Turkey Foundation for Democracy negotiation talks on the EU acquis. Mogherini and Commissioner for award ceremony. In his speech, and Spain. Dr. Erdem has played with members of the Young Currently, 16 Chapters of the European Neighborhood Policy and Spanish Ambassador H.E. a tremendous role in Turkey Professionals in Foreign Policy acquis have been opened and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Rafael Mendivil reminded that becoming Spain’s 7th largest on 27 September 2016. In the only Chapter 25 on Science and Hahn on the declaration of the state Dr. Erdem has been Spain’s trade partner thanks to the meeting entitled “Turkey in the Research provisionally closed. of emergency in Turkey in July, the Honorary Consul in Izmit since activities of the Business Council Aftermath of the Failed Coup”, the 14 Chapters of the acquis are EU will closely continue to monitor 2005. He stressed that the order and to the elaboration of a Joint coup attempt of 15 July 2016 and unblocked by the Greek Cypriot the situation regarding the state of civil merit that is awarded to Action Plan between the parties its possible effects upon Turkey- Administration and suspended by of emergency and its implications Dr. Erdem is a testimony to his following the decision of the EU relations were discussed. the General Affairs and External of concerning the respect for rule of loyalty and friendship to Spain Spanish Government to choose Furthermore, the events unfolding 11 December 2006. law, human rights and fundamental and to a strong and fruitful Turkey as a target country. following the 15 July were tackled rights.

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TIMELINESEPTEMBER 2016 Commissioner for 1 EP President Martin THIRD REPORT ON TURKEY- Migration, Home Affairs Schulz’s visit to Turkey and Citizenship Dimitris Council of Europe Avramopoulos’ visit to 2 Parliamentary Assembly EU STATEMENT REVEALS Turkey President Pedro 3 SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS Agramunt’s visit to Turkey 4 President Erdoğan The European Commission published several reports concerning attended the G20 Summit 5 in Hangzhou, China (4-5 September) the progress made under the European Agenda on Migration on IKV Brief entitled 28 September 2016. “Turkey-EU Refugee Deal 6 and Visa Liberalisation: Foreign Minister How to Secure Long-Term Çavuşoğlu attended Cooperation” published 7 the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of The EU allocated 348 8 the Council of Europe in million euros fund to Strasbourg Turkey for Syrian refugees 9 Turkey-EU High Level NATO Secretary General Jens Political Dialogue Stoltenberg’s visit to Turkey 10 meeting was held in (8-9 September) Ankara 11 Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende’s visit to Turkey 12 Hisarcıklıoğlu attended Eurochambres Joint 13 Members Meeting in Brussels 14

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he Third Report on the progress 59 experts for the European Asylum was the current situation regarding 16 Tmade in the implementation Support Office and shortages for the allocation of the 3 billion euro of the Turkey-EU Statement Frontex must be filled until the end by the EU within the framework constitutes the most critical part of of 2016. of Turkey-EU Statement for 17 this effort. The Third Report on the The slow pace of processing of humanitarian and non-humanitarian implementation of the Turkey-EU asylum applications by the Greek assistance in terms of overcoming 18 Statement which was agreed on 20 Asylum Service and the return the refugee crisis. According to the March 2016 proves the substantial process of the irregular migrants from report, since the 15 June 2016, the decrease in both irregular crossings Greece to Turkey is the second critical total amount allocated has reached IKV Brief entitled “Sectors 19 from Turkey to the EU (mostly issue. Since June 2016, 116 migrants 2.239 billion euros for 2016-2017. in the EU are Preparing for a Low-Carbon Economy” Greece) and fatalities of migrants. including 22 Syrians were returned to In addition to this, for humanitarian 20 President Erdoğan made a published According to numbers shared by Turkey from Greece. Further effort is purposes, already 512 million Speech at the UN General the Commission; since the Second necessary both in Turkey and the EU euros have been contracted. 348 Assembly Report, the average daily irregular to increase the capacity of reception million euros of this contracted 21 arrivals from Turkey to Greece have and enhance the living conditions of amount was signed with the World decreased to 81. In contrast with the migrants. In that context, thanks Food Programme to implement IKV's "Customs Union 22 Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem the same period last year, this shows to the recent legal developments the Emergency Social Safety Net Talks Meeting" was held was awarded the Spanish a steady decrease in the numbers in Turkey, over 8,000 work permit which will be the EU’s largest ever in İstanbul Order of Civil Merit of irregular arrivals. Between applications for Syrians have been humanitarian programme. 23 June-September 2015, average approved. This represents a doubling In addition to the Third arrivals were 1,700 a day. Indeed, of the figure for the whole of 2015. Report on Turkey-EU Statement, 24 a significant fall in the number of the Commission revealed critical fatalities at the Aegean Sea has Failed Coup Attempt has been numbers and actions concerning thus been recorded. Following the on the Commission’s Agenda the resettlement and relocation of British Foreign Minister 25 Commissioner for Statement, only 11 people died The failed coup attempt which migrants on 28 September 2016. Boris Johnson’s visit to Humanitarian Aid and trying to reach Greece from Turkey represents a direct attack to Turkish According to the latest numbers, Turkey (25-27 September) 26 Crisis Management by irregular means. democracy was also on the agenda under the 1:1 scheme, a total of Christos Stylianides’ visit On the other hand, some of the Third Report. The EU strongly 1,614 Syrians were resettled from to Turkey IKV met with young serious concerns and areas requiring condemned the coup and expressed Turkey to the EU. Furthermore, 27 professionals working in improvement have reflected to the its full support and solidarity to the numbers of persons that are EU institutions in Brussels Third Report. Mainly, it is observed Turkey. As mentioned within the ready to be resettled are 509. The 28 that the operational and personal Report, the aftermath of the coup Commission commented that the capacity at the hotspots in the attempt affected the implementation pace needs to be maintained. On Issue 22 • September 2016 3 Greek Islands is falling short of the of the Turkey-EU Statement the other hand, enhancing increased 29 Danish Foreign Minister needs according to the Commission. negatively. Yet, the recovery has been relocation of persons from Greece Kristian Jensen’s visit to Turkey Therefore, it is foreseen at the occurring in an accelerated manner; and Italy to other Member States is 30 Member States should urgently and the implementation started to on top of the Commission’s agenda. Latvian Foreign Minister increase their assistance to Greece be normalised. At the current time, 5,651 asylum Edgars Rinkevics’ visit to through the various EU Agencies in The last topic which was seekers have been relocated since Turkey that respect. The current shortfall of considered within the Third Report October 2015.

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PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN MADE A SPEECH AT THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly which was held in China on 20 September 2016. In his speech, Erdoğan touched upon the issues of hunger and poverty facts around the world, refugees, terrorism, sustainable development and the coup attempt in Turkey. uring his visit to the US, General Assembly, President international public opinion on DPresident Erdoğan was Erdoğan stated that the coup every occasion. accompanied by Deputy Prime attempt of the 15 July was Concerning the refugee Minister Veysi Kaynak, Minister organised by the FETÖ, which issue, President Erdoğan stated of Justice Bekir Bozdağ, aimed at dominating the that Turkey hosting almost 3 Minister of Family and Social state, institutions, education, million Syrians spent 12.5 billion Policies Fatma Betül Sayan Turkish Military Force, NGOs dollars in order to support Kaya, Minister for EU Affairs and influencing democracy, refugee protection and their Ömer Çelik, Minister of Foreign tolerance and education. basic needs. By reducing the Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Even though the number of irregular flow to Minister of Economy Nihat humankind in the 21st century the EU, he also underlined that Zeybekci, Minister of Energy experienced some great Turkey successfully fulfilled the and Natural Resources Berat achievements in science, requirements of the 18 March Albayrak and member of the technology and health statement between Turkey Turkish Parliament. conditions, hunger, poverty, and the EU. President Erdoğan In his speech, President refugee crisis, illiteracy and also called on EU officials and Erdoğan congratulated terrorism remain issues that the international community to H.E. Peter Thomson on his world is still struggling with. In support a practical cooperation election as the presidency this respect, President Erdoğan concerning Syria and the fight and thanked to H.E. Mogens stated that peace and security against terrorist organisations. Lykketoft for his contributions in countries and the regions can Regarding the 2030 during the presidency. only be achieved by taking an Sustainable Development Goals, Regarding the coup attempt urgent action and presenting President Erdoğan underlined in Turkey, President Erdoğan, leadership with a consciousness that countries should continue in his speech, informed world of governments’ responsibilities. to encourage useful mechanisms leaders about the FETÖ which By stating the importance of for Least Developed Countries in is a national security threat the Security Council in order terms of meeting transformative for not only Turkey but all 170 to reach the purpose of global goals of the 2030 Agenda. countries. Calling on heads efforts, President Erdoğan In his terms, Turkey’s Official of state and government as added that the world is Development Assistance reached well as delegates at the UN bigger than 5 countries to the 3.9 billion dollars in 2015.

ÇAVUŞOĞLU ATTENDED THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE inister of Foreign behind the coup attempt presidency, and President of MAffairs Mevlüt and the extensive measures the Parliamentary Assembly Çavuşoğlu attended adopted to eliminate this Pedro Agramunt to Ankara. the Council of Europe organisation from the Çavuşoğlu also expressed Committee of Ministers state apparatus. Çavuşoğlu in his statement that Turkey Meeting on 7 September praised the Council of will remain committed to 2016 upon the invitation of Europe for its support to its obligations emanating Estonia’s Minister of Foreign the Turkish government from its membership to Affairs Marina Kaljurand. following the coup attempt the Council of Europe In his address to the as exemplified by the visits despite the hardships it Committee, Minister of its Secretary-General is going through. Turkey Çavuşoğlu explained the Thorbjørn Jagland, Minister is among the founding details of the coup attempt of Foreign Affairs of members of the Council of of July 15 in Turkey, the Estonia Marina Kaljurand Europe having joined the workings of the FETÖ representing the term organisation in 1949.

OFFICIAL VISITS FROM MEMBER STATES TO TURKEY ollowing the Foreign 29 September 2016, Minister governments' solidarity with discussed. European ministers to fully support for Turkey’s FMinister of Norway of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Turkey as it was faced with a failed expressed their support for established institutions. Borge Brend’s visit to Turkey Edgars Rinkevics and Minister coup attempt on 15 July 2016. further enhancing bilateral ties Moreover, all parties indicated on 9 September 2016, two of Foreign Affairs of Denmark During their meeting with and agreed to increase contacts their willingness to further Member States’ Foreign Kristen Jensen, at the occasion Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt between the countries. During strengthen the ties between Ministers visited Turkey in of their visits as an official envoy Çavuşoğlu, bilateral relations, their meeting with their Turkish the countries in all areas, the aftermath of the failed of their governments, gathered regional issues and Turkey’s EU counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, including economic, social and coup attempt on 15 July. On the chance to fully express their accession process were also the common message was political relations.

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THE HIGHEST OFFICIAL VISIT AFTER THE COUP ATTEMPT The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz paid an official visit to Turkey on 1 September 2016.

uring his first visit to Turkey declaring that “democracy is Dafter the coup attempt of much more than the simple act 15 July, the President of the of voting. Democratic standards EP Schulz came together with require pluralism, a vibrant President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, press, a separation of power and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, free parliamentarians with an Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt independent mandate”. Schulz Çavuşoğlu and President of the also added that the state of Grand National Assembly of emergency should not fail the Turkey İsmail Kahraman. test of proportionality and of the In his meetings with Turkish rule of law. officials, EP President Schulz Moreover, he emphasised that condemned the coup attempt the EU is also struggling with the and stated that the EP will same challenges Turkey faces. For continue to support democracy this reason, a shared intelligence in Turkey. On the one hand, and boosting cooperation Schulz indicated that Turkish between both parties is vital citizens showed a remarkable to tackle multiple crisis. In his resilience during the coup terms, the EP is willing to deepen attempt. On the other hand, Turkey-EU relations, especially on he underlined that democratic key benchmarks of the 18 March rules are essential for Turkey by EU-Turkey statement.

BORIS JOHNSON’S VISIT TO TURKEY British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited Turkey between 25 and 27 September 2016.

uring his visit to Turkey, Foreign Secretary Johnson economic and trade relations as DBritish Foreign Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs well as foreign affairs. Both leaders Boris Johnson had a range of Çavuşoğlu made a press mentioned that Turkey and the talks with President Recep Tayyip conference. In his speech, Foreign UK stood against terrorism. In his Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Secretary Johnson stated that the speech, Foreign Secretary Johnson Yıldırım, Minister of Foreign Turkish people have shown one of also underlined that Turkey and the Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and the biggest success by standing UK have the same position in Syria. Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik. against a coup attempt. The Regarding economic activities, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson common message given by two Johnson stated that bilateral also visited refugee camps in leaders was to strengthen bilateral economic relations are on track Gaziantep. relations in many policy areas and trade has been increasing 70 Following the meetings, such as the fight against terrorism, percent in the last five years.

HİSARCIKLIOĞLU ATTENDED EUROCHAMBRES MEETING

OBB President and officials of the international Directors of EUROCHAMBRES the EUROCHAMBRES Board. Brussels Office during the TEUROCHAMBRES Deputy and European business starting in 2017. In that Hisarcıklıoğlu took the chance election. Following the 23 President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu community. During the context, representatives to congratulate all of the June referendum in the UK, attended the EUROCHAMBRES meeting, preliminary elections from Azerbaijan, Bosnia and delegates of the countries Former European Commission Joint Members Meeting in were held with respect to Herzegovina, Armenia, Georgia represented at the election. Vice Chair Günter Verheugen Brussels on 9 September the Board Members who and Ukraine were elected EUROCHAMBRES Secretary who was attending the 2016. At this occasion, will be representing non-EU to the Board. That was also General Arnaldo Abruzzini election spoke about the latest Hisarcıklıoğlu met with leading Member States at the Board of Azerbaijan’s first election to was also present at the TOBB developments in the EU.

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PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN ATTENDED THE G20 SUMMIT President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit which was held in China between 4 and 5 September 2016. At the summit Turkey and China signed three agreements in areas covering nuclear security, energy and agricultural health certification.

uring his attendance, fight against all forms of terrorism also attended a working session - Inclusive and Interconnected global economic outlook. In that DPresident Erdoğan and climate change. President entitled “Enhancing Policy Development. respect, the emphasis has been accompanied by Minister of Erdoğan stressed Turkey’s support Coordination and Breaking a New The leaders have put upon closer partnership and Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu for the UN’s efforts in ensuring Path for Growth”. acknowledged that the global joint action within the framework was welcomed by President of humanitarian access into the Upon the conclusion of the economic recovery is progressing of the G20 and cooperating the People’s Republic of China region. Moreover, President G20 Summit, a Final Communiqué and that as the latest economic together in order to foster and Xi Jinping. At the margins of the Erdoğan met with Russian was published and presented results have proven; resilience is stimulate growth. summit, Turkey and China signed President Vladimir Putin, US to the public. In that context, indeed improving in some of the Moreover, the parties have three agreements in areas covering President Barack Obama, German the leaders of the G20 largest economies of the G20 countries. also agreed in working together nuclear security, energy and Chancellor Angela Merkel, French economies have agreed to the On the other hand, they also towards a more interconnected agricultural health certification. President François Hollande, and following: highlighted the fact that growth and inclusive world economy in At the occasion of the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi - Strengthening Policy still remained rather weak and order to help meet the goals of the summit, President Erdoğan had during the summit. Coordination, that it needed to be further new era in terms of global growth the opportunity to hold bilateral Following these meetings, - Breaking a New Path for enhanced. They have notably and sustainable development, meetings with other fellow leaders President Erdoğan held a press Growth, underscored the challenges taking into account the objectives of the G20. During President conference where he gave details - More Effective and Efficient posed by current geopolitical as spelled out in the 2030 Agenda Erdoğan’s meeting with UN on the latest developments in Global Economic and Financial developments in areas such as the for Sustainable Development, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Turkey in the aftermath of the Governance, Middle East, the ongoing refugee the Addis Ababa Action Agenda the two leaders had the chance to failed coup attempt. During his - Robust International Trade and crisis as well as the scourge of along with the Paris Agreement discuss the issues such as Syria, the attendance, President Erdoğan Investment, terrorism as difficulties upon the following the COP 21 Summit.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG’S VISIT TO TURKEY ATO Secretary General Jens including in Afghanistan, the NStoltenberg paid a two-day fight against ISIL and in NATO’s visit to Turkey on 8-9 September efforts to stop human trafficking 2016 in order to demonstrate in the Aegean Sea. the Alliance’s solidarity with In the press meeting held Turkey after the coup attempt. together with Minister of Foreign During his visit, the Secretary Affairs Çavuşoğlu, Stoltenberg General came together with reiterated NATO’s condemnation President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of the recent coup attempt, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, expressing condolences for those Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt who lost their lives, and respect Çavuşoğlu and the Minister for the courage of the Turkish of Defence Fikri Işık. The main people. He also underlined that issues discussed in the meeting a strong and democratic Turkey were Turkey’s contributions to is essential for the stability and the Alliance’s shared security, security of Europe and the region.

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KATI PIRI AND ELMAR BROK VISITED TURKEY A delegation of Members of the EP, composed of Elmar Brok and Kati Piri, visited Turkey in order to express the EU’s solidarity with the Turkish people following the coup attempt of 15 July 2016.

delegation of Members of the AEuropean Parliament visited Turkey on 23-25 August 2016. The delegation was composed of the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Elmar Brok and the European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Turkey Kati Piri. The aim of the visit was to express the solidarity of the EU institutions with the Turkish people following the coup attempt on 15 July 2016, to get first-hand information on recent developments in Turkey and underline the importance of respecting the rule of law in the aftermath of the coup. Brok and Piri held meetings, amongst others, with Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, several Ministers, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavusoglu, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer their relationship was underlined required for all countries wishing fully supported that the active constructive discussion with Prime Çelik and the then Minister of the during the discussions, as was the to benefit from visa liberalisation to participants of the coup attempt Minister Yıldırım on the need for Interior Efkan Ala, the Speaker of the commitment by both parties to stick access the Schengen area. respond before the law for their reaching a positive solution to Turkish Grand National Assembly to the agreement reached on 18 During their visit, Chairman crimes, emphasising at the same the Cyprus issue. Both parties (TGNA) Ismail Kahraman, leading March 2016 to deal with the refugee Brok and Turkey rapporteur Piri also time how important it is to respect highlighted the critical importance members of the political groups crisis. On visa liberalisation, the gained a better understanding on process and deal with all cases in of strengthening joint efforts at the TGNA as well as civil society members welcomed the enormous the challenges posed by the Gülen respect of rule of law, fundamental towards a long-lasting settlement organisations. The importance progress achieved by Turkey in the movement to the independence of rights and Council of Europe and noted positively the ongoing attached by Turkey and the EU to fulfilment of the 72 benchmarks the State institutions. The members standards. EP Members also had a discussions between both sides.

THE LAUNCH OF THE EU'S LARGEST HUMANITARIAN AID PROGRAMME Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides visited to Turkey to launch the ESSN.

he Emergency Social Safety refugees in Turkey by the first quarter families and to send their children TNet (ESSN) aid project will of 2017. The aid programme grant to school. be implemented by the World will be transferred directly in cash During his stay in Turkey on Food Programme (WFP) and the on a monthly basis to the refugees 26 September 2016, Stylianides Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), through electronic cards which will also visited other EU humanitarian in close collaboration with the be distributed to them across Turkey. projects funded under the Facility Ministry of Family and Social Policy Under the aid programme, the cash for Refugees in Turkey, including and the Disaster and Emergency cards planned to be handed out as of a Community Centre for Syrian Management Presidency (AFAD). October 2016 are an innovative and refugees run by Kızılay and a Child The aid programme with an initial effective system that can enable the Protection Support Centre supported budget of 348 million euros is set most vulnerable refugees to buy the by the Association for Solidarity with to provide a grant for 1 million essentials they need to sustain their Asylum Seekers and UNICEF.

COMMISSIONER DIMITRIS AVRAMOPOULOS VISITS TURKEY ommissioner for Migration, made a speech at the Turkish Grand In the context of their CHome Affairs and Citizenship National Assembly on behalf of the meetings, leaders discussed Dimitris Avramopoulos paid EU to convey a message of solidarity about current efforts for reducing and official visit to Turkey on 1 to Turkey after the coup attempt. irregular refugee flow from the September 2016. During the Commissioner Avramopoulos Aegean Sea to the EU and shared meeting, Commissioner met expressed his concerns and their strong commitments to with Minister of Foreign Affairs solidarity with Turkish people. move forward the cooperation on Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister Avramopoulos also underlined the the refugee crisis as well as the visa for EU and Chief Negortiator need to protect and follow European liberalisation process for Turkish Ömer Çelik. Avramopoulos also standards regarding the rule of law. citizens.

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EU’S DELIBERATIONS ON ITS FUTURE: QUESTION OF ENLARGEMENT AND TURKEY’S MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVE The month of September witnessed important events with regard to discussions about the EU’s future following a Brexit process and its influence on European integration and enlargement perspective.

Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem NAS, How will Brexit Influence IKV Secretary General European Integration and the Enlargement Perspective? ollowing meetings of French, The EU will undergo a FGerman and Italian leaders in significant shift with the Brexit Berlin in June and in Italy in August, process since it will be losing the EU27 met in Bratislava on 16 a prominent Member State September to discuss priorities possessing the second largest of the Union with a view to the economy in the Union and a future of European integration developed foreign and global policy following the Brexit vote. President capacity. Britain’s contribution to of the European Commission, the budget, human resources of the Jean-Claude Juncker had already EU institutions and policy making made his annual State of the Union skills will be missed especially by speech on the 14th of September Member States which are worried and noted areas of priority action about further Germanisation of the for the EU to be able to meet the Union without Britain. On the other current challenges facing the hand, Britain already opted out of Union. Juncker particularly focused two leading policy areas of the EU, imminent problems. Member States enlargement dimension may be will be managed and how it will on facilitation of employment the Economic and Monetary Union which are divided along the North- needed as the EU searches for a affect overall European integration and growth, digital single market, and the Area of Freedom, Security South and East-West axis are finding new balance and center of gravity carries a critical significance for the energy union, deepening the and Justice without any plans to it ever more difficult to negotiate to take the integration process to future of Turkey and EU relations. Single Market and Economic and join either in the near future. Thus, a common denominator between the next level. If Brexit leads to alternative Monetary Union, a new migration it seemed clear even if Britain had themselves and convince their formulations of EU membership policy with stronger border chosen to stay in the EU, it would citizens of the merits of European Will Turkey Find a Place in based on acceding to variable controls, enhancing democratic take the sidelines in the further integration. The withdrawal of Britain the Future of the EU? levels of integration, Turkey’s participation in the EU, greater progress of European integration. from EU membership may even Most people would accept membership may be viewed security against terrorism and a No doubt, Britain’s separation make this more difficult and lead to that Turkey has a very important from such an angle and acquire a stronger international role for the from the EU will entail a difficult a fragmentation of the Union. place in Europe in terms of new perspective. At the moment, EU. Referring to his statement and complicated process and one Under such difficult conditions, contributing to its security, keeping the accession process in 2015 to the effect that “there of the most important issues of the enlargement perspective fending it off from multiple risks alive by opening new chapters is not enough Europe in this contention will emerge over the appears more important for the emanating from unstable regions and igniting the process by way Union and not enough Union conditions for Britain’s access to EU. Enlargement has always been and resolving its problems such as of complementary processes in Europe”, Juncker said that this the Single Market and rights of a motor for further integration the refugee crisis. However, Turkey’s such as the high level dialogue observation still holds true and EU nationals residing in Britain since it reinforced the EU’s appeal probable membership to the EU mechanisms appear to be the the EU may be considered as following Brexit. to non-member countries in its is another issue. It is resented by most viable option. This would undergoing an existential crisis. Brexit -if it actually happens in vicinity and acted to accelerate several Member States and political save some more time for both Juncker underlined that the the end- will disrupt the balances in deeper integration. The existing party groups on grounds of identity parties to make the most of following 12 months are critically the Union and lead to a rethinking Member States wanted to make considerations and/or assessments relations and in the meantime plan important to reconstitute the of the center of gravity of European sure that they put one more brick in that Turkey’s entry could destabilise their strategies for a longer-term common denominator among the integration. The attempt to the wall of a united Europe before the EU due to its size, geography future. It should also be borne Member States and that the EU emphasise the Franco-German- another member comes along and and internal problems. Turkey’s in mind that Cyprus talks have needs a concrete action plan for Italian tripartite leadership in the increases the diversity of views in membership perspective has been also reached a critical phase the immediate future as well as a EU led to a dead end with the the Union. The Juncker Commission recognised by the EU however, and and their successful conclusion common vision for the medium sharp criticism aired by the Italian made it clear at the start of its accession process started with a may make a decisive impact on to long term. He also announced Prime minister especially regarding mandate that enlargement was view to accession. Whether or not Turkey’s accession talks sooner that the Commission would the EU’s policies of migration and not a priority and accession of membership will actually take place than we would have expected. come up with a White Paper on economic and monetary policy. new Member States would not depends on both the particulars Keeping this option open, a the priorities and principles of With East European Member States take place during its 5-year term. of the Turkey-EU relationship Turkey-EU relationship which a post-Brexit EU in March 2017 such as Poland growing more critical With a dimmer membership and accession process as well as is based more on rationalism, during the 60th Anniversary of the of the Union and adopting a more perspective, candidate countries the shape the EU will take in the respect, trust and dialogue would Treaty of Rome. It is also expected reactionary approach and growing such as Turkey and Western Balkan coming years. Turkey may find be in both parties’ interest while that negotiations between the EU right-wing populism in many states increasingly became critical it easier to find a place in an EU Turkey’s democracy, rule of law and Britain on the conditions of Member States, it is becoming more of the EU’s ambiguous and fluid which is loosely integrated on the and human rights record would withdrawal from membership will challenging for the EU to speak with policies towards them. In a post- basis of trade and economic ties. also benefit from a stronger commence as of March 2017. one voice and find solutions to its Brexit EU, the need for a stronger Hence, how the Brexit process involvement with the EU.

Istanbul Office Preparation for Publication On behalf of IKV: Esentepe Mahallesi Harman Sokak Art Director Printing House: Ayhan Zeytinoğlu TOBB Plaza No:10 Kat:7-8 Hakan Kahveci İstanbul Basım Promosyon Editor -in- chief: 34394 Levent Istanbul/Türkiye Editor Basın Ekspres Yolu Cemal Ulusoy

2016 No: 22

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9 1 Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas Tel: +90 212 270 93 00 General Director Devrim Çiçek Cad. No:38/A 34620, Editorial Directors: Faks: +90 212 270 30 22 Gürhan Demirbaş Graphic Designer Sefaköy-İstanbul Selen Akses, İlge Kıvılcım, E-posta: [email protected] General Assistant Director Şahin Bingöl [email protected]

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8 Issue 22 • September 2016