Speech at the EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee in Istanbul

Staffan Nilsson at the EU-Turkey JCC in Istanbul on 15 September 2011The three topics that you picked up for this Joint Consultative Committee are certainly very appropriate.
- Building a low-carbon economy is a key issue in the EU at the moment. It is one of the main objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. I am sure the exchange of ideas and experiences you will have on this matter will be very interesting in terms of mutual learning between Turkey and the EU. Low-carbon economy and, more broadly, sustainable development is the main priority of my mandate as President of the EESC. You can find in this room my programme in Turkish. The EESC will organise a conference in 2012 to feed in the Rio+20 conference. We can certainly think of a way to involve you in this conference. But be sure that I will read carefully the conclusions of your meeting on this aspect.
- Secondly, the benefit that Turkey's accession would have on EU economy is also an expert debate that I am pretty much looking forward to listening to. There is no doubt that EU leaders cannot even dream about reaching the level of growth experienced by Turkey in recent years. I am convinced that Turkey's accession would indeed bring more growth and jobs in the EU.
- Last but certainly not least, the visa issue. I am very concerned that the visa issue has not moved forward between the EU and Turkish authorities. Our Joint Consultative Committee has already expressed is views on numerous occasion on this critical issue to improve EU-Turkey relations. I am glad you revert to it and insist on the necessity to ease the requirements currently imposed on Turkish citizens when travelling in the EU.
 

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Speech at the EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee in Istanbul