The Turkey Europe Future Forum is a project of Stiftung Mercator in cooperation with TUSIAD.

Since 2015, The Turkey Europe Future Forum has been bringing together dedicated young leaders from Türkiye and Europe for intensive dialogue in Türkiye, Germany and other European countries.

For any questions about the Future Forum please contact Jannes Tessmann.

Apply now for September 08 to 14, 2024, in Athens!

WHAT FUTURE FOR TURKISH-EUROPEAN RELATIONS IN TIMES OF GROWING GEOPOLITICAL RIVALRIES?”

In an era marked by multiple crises, from COVID-19 and climate disasters to wars in Europe and the Middle East, a complex international realignment process is taking place. While polarization and multipolarity will likely spur greater fragmentation, the growing importance of finding solutions to cross-cutting problems has made international cooperation more necessary. Against this background, many European leaders attempt to forge new alliances and to strengthen old ones. However, in many regions of the world the West has lost its appeal as (self-proclaimed) defender of a liberal rules-based order and universal rights. This raises important questions for the EU as a geopolitical actor and the future of Turkish-European relations in an interdependent world.

The 10th Turkey Europe Future Forum (TEFF) explores the challenges and opportunities that the changing geopolitical landscape may pose for the future of Turkish-European relations. How can lasting cooperative structures be ensured in times of global realignments? How does Türkiye position itself in the context of rising geopolitical rivalries? How can the EU become a geopolitical actor and ensure stability for Europe and beyond? The TEFF brings together young professionals from different backgrounds to engage in workshops, trainings, and study trips. We want to discuss, exchange ideas, and explore common ground despite differences

Exchanges between Young Leaders from Türkiye, Germany and other European Countries

Every year, the Turkey Europe Future Forum enables 30 outstanding young leaders from Türkiye, Germany and other European countries to benefit from an intensive exchange of ideas, substantial training measures and access to an important network. Costs for travel and accommodation are covered.

Eight Days of Discussions, Workshops and Trainings

During the Future Forum, participants attend a week of workshops, lectures and intercultural trainings about a current issue and debate it from their country- and sector-specific perspectives. In addition, top-level guests, speakers and dialogue partners provide exclusive insights into the politics, economy, culture and society of the participating countries. Ümit Boyner, former president of TÜSIAD and one of Türkiye’s most successful entrepreneurs, and Ruprecht Polenz, long-time member of the German Bundestag and former chair of the German Foreign Affairs Committee, are the programme deans.

European-Turkish Exchange between all Sectors

The goal of the Turkey Europe Future Forum is to reinforce networking and enhance mutual understanding among future decision-makers of Türkiye, Germany and other European countries. The programme encourages all actors to adopt a European perspective and strengthens their ability to act, especially across sectors. The Future Forum provides fresh impetus to the Turkish-European debate.

Application

Application Requirements

  • between two and ten years of professional experience in the fields of politics, economics, administration, culture, media, science or civil society (Note: Internships do not count)
  • outstanding achievements during studies, professional career, or civic engagement
  • Turkish, German or another European citizenship
  • willingness to contribute to the TEFF for the whole period of the programme

Online Application

Applications for the Turkey Europe Future Forum are only possible via the online application tool during the application phase.

The application deadline ends on 7th of February 2024.

If you have questions about the application process or technical difficulties, you can reach us here.

Dates & Deadlines

  • February 07, 2024: Application Deadline
  • September 08 to 14, 2024: 10th Turkey Europe Future Forum in Athens

You can download the full FAQ document here:   PDF 

Media & Downloads

Project Partners