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

Since 2015, The Türkiye 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.

Multilateral institutions are under immense pressure due to intensifying geopolitical rivalries, the resurgence of authoritarianism, and their inability to effectively address global challenges ranging from armed conflicts to climate change. At the same time, the growing urgency of tackling cross-cutting challenges has made international cooperation more indispensable than ever. In response, many European leaders are attempting to forge new alliances with the proclaimed aim of strengthening the role of global institutions. The concept of a “rules-based international order” has emerged as a focal point of contention. While some view it as fundamental for ensuring peace and stability, others criticize it as hypocritical, driven more by selective interests than by universal principles. This divergence raises significant questions about the future of the EU’s external relations and the trajectory of Turkish-European relations in an increasingly fragmented world.

The 11th Türkiye 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 can the EU redefine its role as a geopolitical actor in a fragmenting world? What role can Turkish-European cooperation play in resolving or managing regional conflicts? Is investing in a rules-based international order still an effective approach to addressing global challenges?

Every year, the Türkiye 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.

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.

The goal of the Türkiye 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.