Turkey's strategic position in Europe and the Middle East, and close ties with Russia and other former Soviet states, make it impossible to ignore. The country's negotiations for EU membership are proceeding very slowly and with no certainty of a successful outcome, while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, and Turkey's potential role as an energy link between Europe and the Caspian is growing in importance, as is its involvement with both Russia and the Middle East. It is also widely upheld as an example of Muslim democracy, but the domestic political orientation is also likely to continue being contentious in coming years. Both Turkish leaders and their European counterparts have a strong interest in clarifying these issues and seeking a constructive framework for their mutual relations.

By convening this session, the Seminar aims to provide a valuable service to the policy-making and business communities, both in Turkey and among its strategic partners, by bringing analysts and practitioners together to project its potential for economic, political, and social development in ten to fifteen years' time and think how a more constructive set of relationships could be built over the decade ahead. Participants will also explore the likely development of the EU itself in the same time period with a view to enabling Turks to develop a clearer idea of the future shape of Europe so that they can develop a realistic strategy for finding their proper place in it. A series of briefings and follow up meetings in Istanbul, Ankara and selected European capitals will allow the session findings to be discussed with a wider public and fed into the policy-making process.

The fee for this session is 3,300 EURO. The fee covers the cost of the program, accommodations, and meals. Limited scholarship funding may be available for those who are unable to pay the full fee (i.e. from developing countries or NGOs). Participants seeking scholarship assistance must submit an application for financial aid to our registration office.