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.

The post-1945 security and economic architecture is undergoing unprecedented turbulence. As the United States signals a retreat from the global order it once helped establish, world politics is entering a new phase marked by imperial ambitions, weakened international institutions, and eroding checks and balances. At the same time, the growing urgency of tackling cross-cutting challenges, such as reconciling economic and environmental goals, has made international cooperation indispensable. These shifts compel Türkiye and Europe to explore deepened cooperation, and finding new ways for strategic autonomy, and societal resilience.

The 12th TEFF examines how middle powers can navigate a world in which old certainties are collapsing, and new responsibilities are emerging. How can Türkiye and the rest of Europe strengthen their agency and assume leadership in shaping a new global order? How can Türkiye and the EU deepen cooperation to jointly enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy? How can internal polarization and the rise of anti-democratic movements in Europe and beyond be addressed? What visions can be developed for a rules-based international system suited to the challenges of the 21st century?

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.