ESKISEHIR - "Arguments on the European Union (EU) as an entity trying to divide Turkey are not accurate," said Marc Pierini, ambassador and head of the European Commission`s Delegation to Turkey, on Monday.
Speaking at a conference titled "Intercultural Dialogue among Turkey and EU" and sponsored by the Istanbul Bilgi University and Anadolu University, Pierini indicated that the Customs Union has an important role in economic relations between Turkey and the EU.
"Where does the EU need Turkey? The EU needs Turkey`s young population. The public opinion on Turkey`s EU process sees Turkey as a threat. Many in the EU believe that there will be a mass wave of immigrants migrating to EU states from Turkey when Turkey joins the EU. The EU needs such an immigration wave in all cases. We are not in a position to produce certain things due to lack of workers. By the year 2030, there will be 20 million workers` positions that will have to be filled. Turkey, accordingly, will provide a solution in finding workers for the EU," Pierini noted.
Meanwhile, Oguz Demiralp, Secretary General for EU Affairs, noted that the "Turkish private sector, universities and NGOs must assume a greater role in Turkey`s relations with the EU."
"The EU is a project for Turkey`s future. Every day that passes without membership to the EU is a loss for us and our children," Demiralp stressed.
(SOL-AÖ)