AER European Citizens' Forum Istanbul

Europe needs Turkey as much as Turkey needs Europe: At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is the EU's seventh biggest trading partner while almost half of Turkey's total trade is with the EU . 18 out of 35 chapters in the EU talks remain blocked, yet the EU portfolio is a significant one for the government’s agenda. Moreover, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the negotiation process, Turkey is undertaking important reforms, which are to benefit the country.

The question remains: do the citizens of Istanbul perceive the European integration as a tangible and necessary process? What are their views on the various reforms linked to the integration process? How do the regional stakeholders respond to their concerns and how do other countries react to such attitudes?

The audience will be asked to vote on the question: “Turkey in Europe 2020: 29th EU Member State or a strong country on its own?” at the start and after the speakers’ contributions. The latter will present the current state of the negotiation process and forecast the Turkish integration scenarios and challenges linked to employment, education, health services, environment, tourism and innovation.

The citizens will be encouraged to voice their opinions and will get a chance to ask all the questions they wish to the panel members.

The Forum will be held in Turkish and English.