Turkey@Europe

The main purpose of ‘Turkey@Europe-Week’ is to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of accession negotiations through enhanced civil society dialogue between Turkey and the EU.

Ömer Sabancı

TÜSİAD President

Turkey has made a long journey to reach October 3rd and the beginning of the accession negotiations with the European Union. One year later, Turkey continues to have a vibrant economy. We are looked upon by our neighbours as a remarkable example of political and economic transformation.

Turkey’s business community, represented by TÜSİAD, has been an ardent advocate of Turkey’s EU vocation. We are working hard to make sure that Turkey remains on course and will continue supporting the necessary steps to further Turkey’s progress towards the EU.

During Turkey@Europe_Week we will celebrate Turkey’s accomplishments during this past year, through a series of conferences and cultural events across Brussels, Paris and Berlin. This is TÜSİAD’s contribution to making sure that Turkey, its challenges and its assets are better understood by the peoples of member countries.

We look forward to welcoming you during Turkey@Europe_Week

Olli Rehn

European Commissioner for Enlargement

In our common endeavour, the journey is as rewarding as the final destination. The reform process is as important as accession itself. Since the 3rd of October 2005, the European Union and Turkey are embarked together in the same journey. Stormy weather for the one will mean stormy weather for the other. A failure of Turkey would be a failure for the European Union, while a successful Turkey will enhance the role of the European Union as a true world player. This gives us new responsibilities and new opportunities.

Speech by Mr. Olli Rehn, "EU and Turkey together on the same journey", Visit to Erciyes University, Kayseri, 7 October 2005