‘We Can Get an EU Negotiation Date in December’

Hisarciklioglu has been in various EU capitals lobbying for Turkey’s acceptance. He maintains economic relations will comprise three-fourths of the issues that will need to be discussed and concluded after receiving a date to start accession talks. Hisarciklioglu explained that because of this, the EU process was of great interest to TOBB.

"I think that the part that concerns us [TOBB] most in our relations with the EU will begin," said Hisarciklioglu. "You know, the negotiation process in Spain lasted for eight years and the Spanish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges President played a very active role in this. We should be ready as well for the meetings after the negotiations begin."

Hisarciklioglu also indicated that TOBB was carrying out some studies in order to close the distance between the chambers in Turkey and those in the EU. Hisarciklioglu said that so far 11 of the chambers have completed the preparatory work in the harmonization process with the EU.

Hisarciklioglu then went on to remind that after the September 11 attacks and the events in Iraq it was understood that Europe needed Turkey in terms of geopolitical and geostrategic aspects.

"Without Turkey, the EU cannot play its geopolitical and geostrategic role. The EU leaders believe this as well. If the EU wants to be active in regional peace, Turkey should take a place in the EU," said Hisarciklioglu.

"Also Turkey will bring dynamism to Europe with its market of 70 million, its young population and entrepreneurs. Turkey will benefit from the EU’s market of 450 million as well. In short, Turkey and EU will mutually benefit from each other in terms of strategic and economic aspects."