TURKEY AND EUROPEAN UNION RELATIONS CONFERENCE

Head of Political Section of the European Commission Delegation to Turkey Diego Mellado was the speaker of the conference on “Turkey and European Union Relations” organized by İzmir University of Economics Department of International Relations and European Union. 

Mr. Mellado started his speech by telling that Turkey had political and economic importance for EU and Turkey had a strategic position with its natural resources and energy lines. He stated that EU was a cosmopolitan institution, which tried to cross the limits and he also said that EU member countries had high purchasing power when compared to other countries in the world and he underline the importance of Turkey being among these countries.

Head of Political Section of the European Commission Delegation to Turkey Diego Mellado stated that Turkey was experiencing important developments like constitutional amendment, political parties closure cases, judicial reform. He underlined that the effect of Turkish Armed Forces had to be decreased in democratization process. He continued his speech by criticizing the political party closure cases. Mr. Mellado stated that closure cases were seen mostly in Turkey and this did not fit EU standards.

Mr. Mellado also stated his positive thoughts about Turkey and said that the works of Turkey on the way to EU membership had gained speed saying, "Instead of 7 countries with 10 million population, it is better that one country like Turkey with 70 million population and with important economic advantages becomes member of EU.”

İzmir University of Economics Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Sezgin, Faculty of Dean of Economics and Administrative Science Prof. Dr. Alev Katrinli, Department of International Relations and European Union lecturers and students attended the conference that took place in İzmir University of Economics Conference Hall. İzmir University of Economics Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Sezgin presented a plaquette to Mr. Diego Mellado at the end of the conference.