Ever since Turkey was declared an accession candidate by the European Council in December 1999, the relationship between Ankara and Brussels has constantly been developing. The Delegation of the European Union to Turkey seeks to meet the needs that rise from the intense and multidimensional ties, with around 180 Turkish and European Union experts working together to carry out this mission.

Through their website, they aim to provide you with information on the European Union, as well as on Turkey's accession process to the Union. Since their principal goal is to provide accessible, accurate and up-to-date information to the Turkish public, a large part of the website is in Turkish.

Their Missions
Under the Lisbon Treaty, entered into force on 1st December 2009, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey has four main missions:

In the external relations field, to report on Turkey's foreign policy and to represent the European Union at diplomatic level.

In relations to the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU, to monitor economic, financial and trade developments in Turkey, as well as the implementation of the Customs Union's provisions.

In the framework of the EU accession negotiations, to monitor Turkey's progress in meeting the requirements of the political criteria and the acquis and to assist the unfolding of the negotiations. In this context, the Delegation reports to Headquarters on a daily basis in view of the Commission's Country Report.

As a diplomatic mission, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey operates under the terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and is managed by a Head of Delegation who is accredited to the President of the Republic of Turkey with the rank of ambassador.

The Delegation maintains close contacts and coordinates its work with the embassies of the member states of the EU accredited to Turkey.

The Delegation also maintains a wide range of contacts with public authorities, political parties, business circles, academia and think tanks, civil society organisations and cultural operators. In addition, it implements a comprehensive information and communication programme aimed at fostering the visibility and understanding of the European Union, its values and its activities in Turkey.