EPN Office @ Auguste Reyerslaan 207, 1030 Schaarbeek, België
The role of progress reports on the EU – Turkey relations and the current situation: A European Perspective
Christos Makridis
(Deputy Head of Unit, Turkey Unit, Directorate General Enlargement, European Commission)
About Christos Makridis
- Deputy Head of Unit, Turkey Unit, Directorate General Enlargement
European Commission
2006 – Present (7 years)Brussels Area, Belgium
- First Counsellor, Political Affairs
European Commission
2002 – 2006 (4 years) EC Delegation to Croatia, Zagreb
- Counsellor, Head of Operations
European Commission
1998 – 2002 (4 years)EC Delegation to Bulgaria, Sofia
Languages:
- Greek (Native or bilingual proficiency)
- English (Full professional proficiency)
- French (Full professional proficiency)
- Bulgarian (Professional working proficiency)
- Croatian (Limited working proficiency)
Programme Report:
The aim of EPN´s Bureaucracy and Politics Platform whilst organising this seminar was to discuss the progress report of EU/Turkey relations and the current situation from a European Perspective. For such an occasion we had the pleasure to receive Mr. Christos Makridis, Deputy Head of Unit – Turkey, European Commission.
Approx. 30 people gathered round our intimate table of discussion at EPN office, the variety of nationalities assisting the seminar also added value to the interesting debate. Thanks to Mr Makridis and his exceptional manner to interact and ability to engage participants we were able to listen to and share all points of view and opinions on the topic.
Mr Makridis was able to counterbalance both EU and Turkish perspective, occasionally nourishing the debate with his personal experiences and opinions from his Greek origins.
The seminar evolved with questions not only on the report and content but the differences between the EP and EC views on EU/Turkey relations. We spoke about all articles highlighted in the progress report and subject of amendments.
The seminar rose utmost debate when the question “who needs whom” was placed on the table and Mr Makridis stressed without a doubt that both parties need each other. This conclusion was supported by all participants whilst bringing out all positive aspects that Turkey can offer Europe and vice versa. Now we have to gain the trust of both parties especially for those living in Turkey. How can we make both factions more attractive to one another? Mr Makridis insisted on moving onwards and looking for new communication strategies to gain back Turkey`s trust; “we must now prepare the country for a very probable referendum.”
In conclusion, the seminar was a confirmed success and all participants enjoyed there time. EPN will be looking forward to hosting participants back for our future follow-up seminars on EU/Turkey relations.
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