The format of the conference will follow the successful formulas from 2004, 2005 and 2006. The number of participants will be strictly limited to allow real discussion around the table. We will allow sufficient time between meetings for participants to exchange ideas and develop new contacts. We hope to welcome high-level representatives from politics, business, the media, academia and the think tank community from Turkey, Britain and other EU countries, including the new member-states. As in previous conferences, the Chatham House Rule will be applied during the Conference.

Topics

This year’s conference will look in depth at some of the issues that will be of great importance during Turkey’s accession negotiations and will question whether or not the EU and Turkey are “drifting apart”. During the negotiations, which can be lengthy, complex and at times challenging, it is imperative to anticipate and analyse problems and generate early ideas on how they can be overcome. The discussions will focus on the following main themes:

•Do Turkey and the EU have a joint vision for Europe?

			Is Turkey changing its EU accession strategy?
			Do current EU-Turkey relations indicate a joint European vision?
			What would a Union look like that is capable and comfortable to include Turkey?
			What kind of EU does Turkey want to join?

•The EU, Turkey and the Middle East

			How can the EU and Turkey work together to improve stability in the Middle East?
			How do political developments in Turkey impact on regional security and vice versa?

•Economic integration and energy

			How important is progress in the accession negotiations for trade and investment?
			Can economic integration proceed even if negotiations go slow?
			How can Turkey help the EU to alleviate concerns over energy security?