Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

During the meeting, also attended by TİSK President Tuğrul Kutadgubilik, Türk-İş President Mustafa Kumlu and Hak-İş President Mahmut Arslan, the issues of social policy act were discussed.

Speaking to the press following the meeting, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that contact with the EU Commission has been underway on various levels for the last 12 years and said, “I have never seen a meeting as positive as the one today. I am very hopeful.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he viewed the situation as “a result of Turkey becoming the shining star of its region through political and financial stability.”

- EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Bağış

EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış said, “For the first in the history of the Republic, we have, together with the relevant Commission members, state officials, workers and employers as one and conducted a very positive meeting for the opening of Article 19, the social policy and employment article.

Baqış stated that a EU delegation will visit Turkey at the end of April in regards to this; Laszlo Andor will be in Ankara for May 9th Europe Day followed by Stefan Füle at the beginning June.
Bağış stated that they are hopeful for the opening of the article for negotiations during the second half of this year during Latvia’s term presidency.

- Minister Çelik

Labor and Social Security Minister Çelik stated that this is the first time Turkey has tried in such unity to explain in plight in Brussels.
Çelik reported that during his meeting with International Labor Organization President Guy Ryder has also admitted to the important reforms undertaken in regards to business life in Turkey.
Faruk Çelik said, “Whether it be our unity or the progress achieved by Turkey in the social and economic field, they are all viewed with admiration here.”

- Joint proclamation

Ministers Çelik and Bağış, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu Türk-İş General Director Mustafa Kumlu, TİSK General Director Tuğrul Kutadgubilik and Hak-İş General Director Mahmut Arslan made a joint proclamation.

The proclamation sent to the European Commission points to the important legal changes enacted regarding business life in Turkey in 2012. “The preparation period of these changes was undertaken by consulting with all sides, in close cooperation, in the framework of social dialogue and a culture of understanding. We view the changes as important advances in attaining international norms and standards in regards to business life.

We believe strongly that the opening of the Social Policy and Employment Article #19 for negotiations will grant momentum to developing and strengthening of Turkey’s labor relations.
We, the undersigned, believe that this will benefit all parties; we strongly support the opening of Article 19 for negotiations between Turkey and the European Union.”

- Opening of a Turkish baklawa company branch in Brussels

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış and Labor and Social Security Minister Faruk Çelik attended the opening of a Turkish baklawa company branch in Brussels.

Minister Bağış said, “It is a point of pride that Turkish investments are coming to the fore in Europe while Europe is still struggling with the global crisis.”

- Meeting with the European Economy and Social Committee President Nilsson

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Labor and Social Security Minister Faruk Çelik met with the European Economy and Social Committee President Nilsson.

During the meeting, the EU membership process was assessed. The Turkish side requested that Nilsson more strongly emphasize the advantages to be gained with Turkey’s membership during the economic crisis in Europe and to expend efforts to this end.
Nilsson stated that he supports Turkey’s full membership as long as the necessary criteria are fulfilled and emphasized that the negotiation process needs to be sped up.
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