Turkey's economy has transformed itself over the past 15 years and today stands at the threshold to high income. Many argue that the Customs Union agreement with the European Union, signed in late 1995, has been a key catalyst of Turkey's transformation. How important has this agreement been, and what were the channels by which it influenced Turkey's economic progress? Moreover, given the changes in the global economy and the rise of regional free trade agreements, is the Customs Union still an instrument of integration between Europe and Turkey and can it still contribute to the further modernization of Turkey's economy? How should it be adapted to the new realities and how should existing problems be addressed? These are among the questions tackled by a new Evaluation of the Customs Union, which has been prepared by the World Bank at the request of the European Commission.
Participation in this meeting is exceptionally free of charge. A sandwich lunch will be served before the event, from 12.30 onwards.