Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

“Consultation Meeting on Horizon European and EU Programs on the Axis of Turkey-EU Relations” was held with the participation of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakcı.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said in his speech that entrepreneurs and chambers should look for ways to make more use of Ufuk European funds starting in Ufuk 2020 and next year, “As a country, we are putting resources here, we need to be able to take advantage of these resources. We can achieve our success in IPA funds in Ufuk 2020 program.”

- Green Deal will have an impact on exports

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating Turkey's exports will be directly affected with regards to EU's environmental objectives within the scope of the regulations, noted:

“For Turkey, the EU is our largest trading partner. Trading with the EU has a significant contribution to the development of the country's production infrastructure. The Customs Union has contributed positively to the development of our production infrastructure and capacity. Considering the future of our trade relations with the EU, it is evident that the 'Green Deal' will have a direct impact on our exports. We can use the 'Green Deal' as a means of transforming our production structure.”

- 1 billion Euros in funding

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that there is a 1 billion Euro funding opportunity for the “Green Deal” with the call for a project, and that everyone has a role to do in garnering maximum benefit from these programs and benefiting from the funds offered.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that TOBB will continue to raise awareness about this issue and to encourage members to continue the work.

- TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal

Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, President of TUBITAK, said that the green deal could affect many sectors such as energy, environment and transportation, “Taking into consideration Turkey’s trade volume with the EU, various sectors will be closely affected. We will consider this an opportunity, not a threat.”

Speaking at the “Consultation Meeting on Horizon Europe and EU Programs on the Axis of Turkey-EU Relations,” Mandal said Turkey's achievements in the Horizon 2020 Program over the past two years have been clearly observed.

Mandal pointed out that this transformation has accelerated returns from European Union (EU) programs. Since the early 2000s, a serious resource has been allocated for R&D in Turkey. Starting in 2018, we are focused on transforming our resources, our potential, our competence and our influence.”

- Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakcı

Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakcı said they put importance on meeting with private sector and non-governmental organizations and have held several meetings on a better understanding of EU programs.

Giving information about the latest situation on Turkey-EU relations, Kaymakcı talked about the stage reached on issues such as accession negotiations, updating the Customs Union, visa exemptions, co-operation on counter-terrorism and migration, and Turkey's EU dialogue meetings.

After the opening speeches, questions from the participants were answered. Later, the presentation of “Horizon 2020 Program: Green Deal” was made.