Meeting Venue: The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB)
Address: Dumlupınar Bulvarı No:252 (Eskişehir Yolu 9. Km.) 06530 /ANKARA
Ankara
Türkiye
The 43rd meeting of the EU–Türkiye Joint Consultative Committee brings together representatives of organised civil society to reinforce dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Türkiye. The opening session sets the political and institutional context through high-level interventions, including reflections on the role of civil society in a shifting geopolitical environment. The programme then focuses on SMEs, examining their resilience, competitiveness, and inclusive transformation in times of economic and global uncertainty. A second working session addresses digital transformation, innovation, and governance, with particular attention to the social and labour dimensions of technological change. The format combines policy presentations with practical testimonials, ensuring a balanced exchange between institutional perspectives and real-economy experience. Interactive discussions throughout the meeting foster stakeholder engagement and the sharing of diverse views
The 15th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement focused on the implementation of the TSD chapter, labour rights, civic space in Viet Nam, and the future role of DAGs in monitoring the agreement.
Representatives from the European Commission provided updates on recent developments in EU-Viet Nam relations, including the establishment of a new EU-Viet Nam Task Force aimed at strengthening technical and political engagement on key implementation issues under the EVFTA. Members welcomed efforts to reactivate the agreement’s institutional structures but stressed that deeper bilateral cooperation must remain linked to concrete progress on sustainability and labour commitments.
Discussions highlighted persistent concerns regarding the ratification and implementation of ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association, labour inspections, and the broader shrinking space for civil society and human rights defenders in Viet Nam. Members reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Viet Nam to fully implement its TSD obligations.
Saskia Bricmont (MEP) exchanged views with members on the role of the European Parliament in monitoring the implementation of the EVFTA, particularly regarding labour rights and human rights commitments. Participants stressed the need for stronger involvement of DAGs in institutional discussions and closer cooperation with the European Parliament.
The meeting also addressed the follow-up to complaints submitted under the EU’s Single Entry Point mechanism and discussed the potential role of civil society under the upcoming Forced Labour Regulation.
Finally, members confirmed priority areas for future work, including sustainable fisheries, women’s empowerment, and continued engagement on ILO conventions, ahead of future joint meetings with the Vietnamese DAG.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held an open day to celebrate Europe and highlight the important role played by organised civil society in the achievements of the European Union.
