SOYHAN ALPASLAN / ISTANBUL COMMERCE
On 29 November, 2015 a new page was turned with respect to Turkey's process of accession to the European Union (EU), after more than a decade of ups and downs. The summit held at Brussels provided a scene for both sides to name their priorities. The event marked the most comprehensive summit held in 11 years, on Turkey's accession process, after the weeks and months in which Syrian refugees flowed into Europe. The declaration made at the end of the summit emphasized an accelerated process for Turkey's accession to the EU.
TWO SUMMITS PER YEAR
Turkey and the EU will have two regular summits per year. The summits will discuss Turkish-EU relations and international issues, will also provide a venue for political dialog meetings to be attended by ministers and high-representatives.
VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO EUROPE
The EU Commission's second report on the road map for visa liberalization will be published in March 2016. From June 2016 on, Turkey will begin enforcing the readmission agreement. Provided that all requirements of the roadmap are met, the visa exemption will enter into force in October 2016.
DIALOG MEETING
The Senior Level Economic Dialog Mechanism will be implemented in the first quarter of 2016. The same period will see the second meeting of the Senior Level Energy Dialog and Strategic Energy Cooperation mechanism. Once the preparations for the updating of the Customs Union are completed, it will be possible to commence official talks by late 2016.
JOINT ACTION PLAN
The implementation of the agreed upon Joint Action Plan will begin on 15 October. The extent of cooperation regarding the prevention of entry of persons other than those in need of international protection, to Turkey and the EU, the enforcement of readmission agreements, and the deportation of the persons other than those in need of international protection, to their country of origin, will be expanded.
17TH CHAPTER IS NOW OPENED
The EU now opened the 17th chapter. This move increased the number of open chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU, to 15. The 17th Chapter entails harmonization of the countries' economy policies with the EU's economy policies, with reference to shared goals of increasing competitiveness on the basis of free market economy based on free competition, encouragement of innovation, achievement of sustainable development, and increasing growth and employment. The aims regarding monetary policies, on the other hand, entail the implementation of the single currency policy with the purpose of maintaining price stability. The EU Commission will conclude its preparations regarding the opening of certain titles in the first quarter of 2016.