The Institut du Bosphore Scientific Committee co-chaired by Ms. Ümit N. Boyner and Mr. Augustin de Romanet hold its first meeting in 2021 on Wednesday 24th of February.

The debate entitled “Common challenges of the Post-Covid world towards a more balanced Turkey – EU and Transatlantic relationship” was introduced by Mr. Martin Quencez, Fellow and Deputy Director, Paris Office, GMF (German Marshall Fund of the United States) and Ms. Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, Senior Policy Fellow, ECFR (European council on foreign relations).

The discussion chaired by President Bahadır Kaleağası which aims to provide a tour d’horizon on the challenges and opportunities of 2021 to restore a positive agenda for Turkey – France – EU trilateral relations from the perspective of European sovereignty priorities (geopolitics, security, economy, digital, climate …) dwelled on the critical importance of Turkey – EU relations on political and economic arena amidst the spill-over effects of the continuing pandemic. Moreover, the debate tackled the expectations from France to enhance the European strategic autonomy and a more balanced transatlantic partnership.