The format of the conference will follow the successful formulas from the previous 4 years. 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 process and will discuss how Turkey and the EU can maintain “building ties of mutual benefit”. During the accession 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. This year, the discussions will focus on the following main themes:

Update on EU-Turkey relations

			What progress has there been in the accession negotiations?
			What can the EU and Turkey do to speed up the process?
			Is the European/international environment conducive to EU accession?

The EU and Turkey: Preparing together for globalization

			Has the economic integration and political co-operation between the EU and Turkey left both sides better prepared for globalisation?
			Or is the EU becoming more inward-looking and protectionist as a result of globalisation and enlargement?

The future shape of Europe

			What are the current prospects for further enlargement after the Irish "No" to the Lisbon Treaty?
			Why are many Europeans worried about the impact of Turkish accession on Europe’s cultural and social dynamics?
			How can Turkish and EU politicians best make the case for an open and outward looking Europe?