THE MOST HOPEFUL PREDICTION FOR TURKEY’S FULL MEMBERSHIP IN THE EU IS 2014

IUE Board of Trustees President Ekrem Demirtaş, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Sezgin, İzmir Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Council Members, IUE Vice-Rectors, academic personnel, businessmen and students attended the conference “Turkey European Union Relations” that took place in İzmir University of Economics Conference Hall. IUE instructor Itır Bağdadi made the opening of the conference and gave brief information about Turkey and European Union Relations. IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Sezgin reminded that the EU membership adventure of Turkey has begun with its application in 1959 and said “Turkey applied for full membership in 1987. However, there was not any concrete development. Turkey took steps for modernization. After 50 years that passed from the firs application, EU is made up of 27 countries three of which are former Soviet, seven of which are communist. The countries that were a threat for EU before are now full members of EU. Turkey started negotiations after full membership candidacy gained in 2004. However, open ended negotiations worries Turkey. 8 of the headlines were frozen when Turkey rejected full membership of Greek populated Southern Cyprus to Customs Union. Although Turkey was ready to make a sacrifice, Turkey felt as if it was betrayed when EU did not have the intention to solve the problem. I hope, Turkey EU relations will resume on and Turkey will be in a state that it deserves.”

IUE Board of Trustees President Ekrem Demirtaş stated that Turkey was a very important country for EU in terms of both economics and politics, And said, “Turkey performs 60% of its foreign trade with EU countries. In 2008, trading volume between EU-Turkey was nearly 140 billion dollars. Turkey is the 7th biggest trade partner of EU. Recently, EU countries are being affected by the financial crisis like other countries. These subjects are predominantly discussed in G-20 Summit. The most important priority of Turkey in foreign policy is EU full membership process. New negotiation chapters are supposed to be opened. In 2008, nearly 540 million Euros were allocated for Turkey from EU funds. In 2009, this amount will increase. Utilizing these aids will increase the welfare of Turkey and take us closer to EU. One of the urgent cases is visa problem. Unfortunately, the business world has difficulties about it. They issue visa even for Malaysians but they raise difficulties for Turkish people and businessmen. Our consulates here help us about this subject. However, this problem must be solved. While talking to our guest I asked full membership date. He said 2014-15. Our prediction is the same but we need to do what is necessary.”

Former President of the European Commission Dr. Jacques Santer stated that he believed this process would have a happy conclusion and pointed 2014. He said, “Turkey proceeded after full membership candidacy in 2004. It became one of the most important trade partners of EU. For example, in 2007, 9 million Euros of direct investment came to Turkey from EU. Turkish companies found new partnerships, cooperation opportunities. Even some of Turkish companies bought European companies. EU became an enormous organism with 27 countries, 500 million of population. Despite all political and economic crises, EU is a strong organism. The relation between Turkey and EU is very strong. Full membership negotiations started on October 2005 continue. It is normal to have some disputes in this process. However, there are many things to do about human rights and minorities. For example, Greek Orthodox School should be opened. Ecumenical titles of Orthodox spiritual leaders should be recognized. The Kurdish people should have education right in their own language. Peaceful ways should be found for Kurdish problems. DTP should make an effort about it. However, they should definitely reject PKK, and keep away from it. Turkey needs to solve these in this process. Of course, there are some problems on EU’s side too. There are some reactions against new members. Many of them feel raw about East European countries. France and the Netherlands did not accept even EU constitution. The politicians of each country look out for the values of their country. They account before the public. Some people among them are against EU. They are mostly afraid of the enormity and not being able to control. These cause blockages and decelerations. EU has not advanced enough in some subjects. Apart from these, leadership problem should be solved. Changing presidency in six years period was not beneficial. EU advanced made in some presidential term. In some presidential terms, decelerations were experienced. For example, Czech Republic experiences an unsuccessful term. Commission election on June 7 is very important. The reconstructed organism will determine the course. But at the end, Turkey will be a full member of EU. EU needs Turkey for energy and security.”

At the end of the conference, IUE Board of Trustees President Ekrem Demirtaş and IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Sezgin presented a plaquet to Dr. Jacques Santer