Turkish Insights Policy Dialogue with
Bulent Gokay
Professor of International Relations, School of Politics International Relations and Philosophy, Keele University
Gökhan Bacik
Professor of International Relations, Ipek University, Ankara
Kati Piri
Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for Turkey
Andrew Duff
Member of the Governing Board, European Policy Centre, former MEP
Amanda Paul
Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre (Moderator)
Tuesday 15 September 2015, 10.30-12.30 (registration & coffee from 10.10)
EPC Auditorium, Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels
In the aftermath of Turkey’s 7 June Parliamentary elections, in which the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its parliamentary majority, it has proved impossible to form a coalition government. An interim government composed of the AKP and the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) has now been formed with new parliamentary elections slated for 1 November. This political instability and uncertainly has had a negative impact on the economy with financial markets plummeting and a weakening of the Turkish Lira. At the same time, Turkey’s security is also being challenged. The renewed conflict with the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) following the collapse of a two-year ceasefire has resulted in a wave of deadly terror engulfing the country since July. Furthermore, following Turkey’s pledge to play a stronger role in the fight against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), including allowing the United States to use its Incirlik airbase to strike ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq, ISIS directly threatened Turkey for the first time.
A panel of experts will analyse a number of key questions, including why it has proved impossible to form a government, the reasons for the collapse of the ceasefire with the PKK, what the current situation means for Turkey’s relations with the West and, in particular, the EU, as well as possible options for the future.
Please confirm your participation by replying to n.news@epc.eu
