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 Turkey and Europe for intensive dialogue in Turkey, Germany and other European countries.

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

The Russian war against Ukraine became emblematic for several crisis-ridden developments in the international system marked by great power rivalry and a weakening appeal of the rules-based order. National governments and transnational institutions are forced to recalibrate and reposition. The EU’s target to become a global actor gained new traction while its challenges were brought to the fore, particularly regarding economic and security concerns. The need to strengthen regional cohesion and sovereignty raises important questions for the EU and the future of Turkey-European relations in an interdependent world.

The 9th Turkey Europe Future Forum (TEFF) explores the challenges and opportunities that the changing geopolitical landscape may pose for the future of Turkey-European relations. How can lasting cooperative structures be ensured in times of global realignments? How do geopolitical rivalries impact on Turkey’s positioning in the world? 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.

Every year, the Turkey Europe Future Forum enables 30 outstanding young leaders from Turkey, 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 Turkey’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 Turkey Europe Future Forum is to reinforce networking and enhance mutual understanding among future decision-makers of Turkey, 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.