Regional Information Meeting of the "Municipalities Preparing for EU" Project in Elazig

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağıþ and Governor Muammer Erol participated in the regional informational meeting of the "Municipalities Preparing for EU" Project in Elazig on March 9, 2011. The Project is being implemented jointly by Secretariat General for EU Affairs and Union of Municipalities of Türkiye.

In his speech during the meeting, Egemen Bağıþ emphasized the progress achieved especially in the last few years  in the  Türkiye's accession process which started with the application in 1959. Despite the chapters which are politically blocked, Bağıþ mentioned the determined ongoing studies and expressed that efforts will continue in order to raise the life standard and quality of Turkish citizens independent from the pace of the negotiations.

Expressing that the Türkiye is the 17th biggest economy and has become an inspiration for the neighbouring countries as a regional actor, Bağıþ also said that "Europe encountering economic difficulties will see sooner or later that Türkiye is also the key to a safer, stronger and younger Europe with her dynamic demography and strong economy. Türkiye is a rising star of both Europe and the Middle East. We offer to Europe to make progress together".