Turkey’s relations with the European Union have reached a new phase and the country’s largest business association is now planning to increase its activity regarding Turkey-EU engagement, according to the chairwoman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association, or TÜSÄ°AD.
After visiting Brussels last week, Umit Boyner spoke to journalists about talks held during her two-day visit and about Turkey’s full membership process.
The EU is now discussing its 2020 vision. “Turkey should participate in the EU vision discussions as they are crucial for both Turkey’s future and for the EU membership process,” said Boyner. “In trying to be a part of the EU, vision discussions may be even more important than Turkey’s full membership,” she said. “Both the government and the business world should be more active in this period.
“To be a part of this process is also important for our country’s development process,” she said. “I believe that for Turkey this has more importance than membership.”
Boyner said TÜSÄ°AD was unable to get sufficient information about the EU vision related to Turkey during its talks with Herman van Rompuy, the chief of the European Council.
Widening rift
“Europe is now experiencing serious economic and regulation problems,” said Boyner. “The equilibrium in Europe is now different. Germany produces much, but, on the other hand, there is Greece. It is hard for them to come to a common point. To emerge with correct decisions from this current problem is very important for the continuation of the EU vision,” Boyner said.
“The impression we got from Turkey was maintenance of the current situation,” Boyner said. “Turkey should make its technical preparations; it should put actions into effect. The important point about relations with Turkey is the continuation of the ongoing process. But, Germany and France should also develop a common point of view about relations with Turkey, as their attitudes are very important.”
TÜSÄ°AD’s meeting with EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule was more positive, Boyner said, adding that both sides voiced their willingness to bring dynamism to bilateral relations.
“The hardest part of the membership process are the studies using public opinion, but even there we have taken some important steps,” Boyner said. “We have been receiving support from the businesspeople of Germany and France. But now they can more easily put [this support] into words,” Boyner said.
On the other hand, Turkey has some shortages in technical issues, Boyner said. “Turkey has some homework to do. It should accelerate the work related to protocols.
“How much support will be shown by non-governmental organizations to activate the process? Does the business world want to contribute to the process? We should also clarify these questions. I suppose a new phase is beginning in our relations with the EU,” Boyner said.
