The conference "Together:for Turkey in Europe" opened in Izmir with the participation of 150 Members of parliament, Mayors, civil society activists, journalists and businessmen from the Aegean region and other parts of Turkey. Guests speakers from EU countries included Helga Barth representing the German Presidency of the European Union, the British Ambassador to Turkey, Nick Baird, and members of parliament, academics and local counsellors from Slovenia, Romania, Britain, and Malta amongst others.
Addressing the opening session the Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament, Mr Yasir Yakis said that the Turkish Government continues to remain focused on EU membership Turkey was committed to continue the process of preparing for EU membership regardless of the political obstacles that have been put in its way. British Ambassador Nick Baird congratulated the European Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament for the successful work it was doing with the process of harmonisation with EU laws. Referring to the quotation of Former Prime Minister Edward Heath when faced with opposition to British Membership of the EU, Ambassador Baird said it should press forward with its membership bid and should make it clear that it will not take no as an answer.
After the opening session participants divided in five round table discussions focusing on the role of parliaments, NGOs and Academia, municipalities, media and business in the process of EU accession.
One hundred students from the universities around Izmir joined the conference for the afternoon session. Addressing the second plenary session on the theme "Youth and Turkey's EU accession" Mr Nasuh Mahruki, President of AKUT spoke about the opportunities in front of Turkey and the need for young people to engage more fully with the EU accession process. He referred to Turkey's demographic cycle which for the next fifty years should enable Turkey to become a major producer. Its role within the European Union will therefore be very significant. Mr Mahruki called for better, more frequent and more accurate information to be available to society in large as Turkey proceeds on this challenging journey of EU accession - an objective which however should be achieved.
The conference then divided once more in five round tables to continue the discussion of the morning themes - with the emphasis this time on the views of young people.
