26.10.2020 Ankara
Speaking at the Consultation Meeting on Horizon European and EU Programs on the Axis of Turkey-EU Relations, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the importance of knowing the contents of the “Horizon 2020” and “Horizon Europe” programs and knowing about the opportunities and utilization processes provided by the programs.
“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.