Unfortunately, because Turkey is a big country with a big economy, the EU constantly took measures to slow down the [accession] process.
[In comparison] the trade volume between the US and the EU is $700 billion. The trade volume between Turkey and the EU will be $300 billion. What a great number we are talking about. There is no other country within the EU that can realise this [volume of trade].
VB: Turkey has made very important democratic reforms. The new penal code, civil code, law of obligations, law of associations, and the changing of two-thirds of the constitution, were realised in an effort to comply with Copenhagen criteria. Turkey gained a lot from this.
Germany’s Chancellor [Angela] Merkel came to Turkey five times within a period of eight months. The president of the European Commission [Jean-Claude Juncker] came five times. The president of the European Council [Donald Tusk] came as many times. EU-Turkey summits were held. Turkey took serious steps about the refugee issue as any responsible country would, and the fact that the refugee crisis is no longer a threat to Europe, to the world, is mainly Turkey’s doing.
The EU is supposed to be all about democracy, human rights and freedoms, but after the coup attempt in Turkey we didn’t see a strong show of support [from the EU] for almost two months. High level visits did not happen. Political statements taking a stance with Turkey, with democracy, were not made.
In the EU, the founders have set up a decision making system in their own favour. There is a voting system which we call a “qualified vote”. Germany has 29 votes. Croatia has 10, [Southern] Cyprus has four and 91 votes is what it takes to block any decisions.
Turkey is a Muslim-majority country with its roots in the Ottoman Empire, which once governed large regions from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. As a result, it has dual identities, from having Middle Eastern and Central Asian roots to vast European influences. We have long been a cultural, political, and economic bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Could be be better placed than anybody else in the region to be a perfect mediator between West and East?
The Turkish government has many travel restrictions that it uses to control its borders. This includes special measures to protect security and health in the country. Due to COVID-19, Turkey introduced travel restrictions on foreign visitors in the interest of public safety. The Turkish government responded swiftly to the crisis by introducing ...
All incoming passengers over the age of 6 must complete a “Traveler Entry Form” at least four days before their arrival in Turkey. Children under 6 are exempt. The purpose of the form is to contact individuals who have been in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19.
Due to COVID-19, the Turkish government implemented the following rules to limit social activity and prevent the spread of the virus amongst the population: The use of a facemask is obligatory outside the home, including in streets, parks, and public transport.
As of June 1, 2021, the Turkish government introduced new restrictions depending on the country of origin. Passengers who in the last 14 days have been in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or passengers must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Visitors should provide contact information and the accommodation address in Turkey.
Travelers to Turkey should be mindful that restrictions are under constant review as the international situation evolves. Therefore, passengers should keep up to date with their local governments’ latest travel updates and advisories before departure.
Country-specific entry restrictions for Turkey. Country-specific restrictions are in place to safeguard the health of residents and tourists in Turkey. To enter Turkey, visitors from overseas are required to comply with the following special coronavirus rules. As of June 1, 2021, the Turkish government introduced new restrictions depending on ...