'Silence' for Europe Day, May 9

The European Union is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It declared May 9 as "Europe Day" in a summit held in Milan in 1985, celebrated in member countries and member candidate countries. The day has also been celebrated in EU member candidate country Turkey since 2000 with concerts and activities, though this year it will be a "quiet" day closed to the public.

Turkey is experiencing a very rocky period in its relations with the EU. But among the issues on the agenda are the refugee deal, Ankara's request for the lifting of visas for Turkish citizens, the expansion of the Customs Union, and the de facto freeze of Turkey's EU accession talks. The outcome of the recent referendum on shifting to an executive presidential system will also determine the future of relations. The question of whether or not Turkey's relations with the EU will break off will be a significant debate throughou 2017. 

In such an environment, it does not look easy to restore political relations. But there are economic areas where it is possible to reach a positive result. For instance, expanding the Customs Union is an issue that both sides want to work on. 

Activities used to be organized  

In past years, "Europe Day" would be marked in Turkey with concerts, exhibitions, sports activities and competitions in Ankara, Istanbul and several Anatolian cities. This year, however, enthusiastic celebrations have evaporated. There are no preparations from the Turkey side. On the EU side, meanwhile, low-key meetings are planned in halls that are closed to the public. The only concert will be a Syrian children's choir.  

Will project support continue? 

How will the financial support that is carried out through...

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