The institutional framework of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue (TEBD) project includes the following bodies, please click on the respective logos to learn more about each partner.

THE ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (Eurochambres)

The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres) was established in 1958 as a direct response to the creation of the European Economic Community. Eurochambres acts as the eyes, ears and voice of the business community at EU level. Eurochambres represents over 20 million businesses in Europe through 46 members (42 national associations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry plus two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers. More than 93% of these businesses are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In total, the businesses represented by Eurochambres employ more than 120 million people throughout Europe.

Eurochambres strives to improve the general conditions in which businesses operate, to facilitate access to markets within and beyond the EU and to ensure the availability of human, financial and natural resources.

RESPONSIBILITY

Eurochambres is responsible for the coordination of the technical implementation of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue (TEBD) project. The TEBD team within Eurochambres is made up of five persons who provide training, coaching and continuous support for the successful implementation of the project, and who also ensure the monitoring of activities as well as the promotion of the TEBD project and the dissemination of information. The TEBD team also coordinates and monitors 19 grant projects (Chamber Partnerships), which are being supported by the EU in the framework of the TEBD project.

WEBSITE

www.eurochambres.eu

UNION OF CHAMBERS AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES OF TURKEY (TOBB)

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), established in 1952, is the umbrella organisation of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges in Turkey. In its capacity as the highest level representative of the Turkish private sector, the aims of TOBB include: ensuring unity and solidarity between chambers and commodity exchanges, enhancing the development of the professions in accordance with the public interest, facilitating the professional work of its members, promoting honesty and confidence in members’ relations with each other and with the general public, and preserving professional discipline and ethics. TOBB represents a network of over 1,3 million enterprises, 365 local Chambers and 61 sectoral assemblies. Chambers are the main business support organizations in Turkey, which has a strong tradition of an independent and democratic chamber system.

RESPONSIBILITY

TOBB is the end beneficiary of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue (TEBD) project and is closely involved in the coordination of the various activities.

WEBSITE

www.tobb.org.tr

THE DIRECTORATE FOR EUROPEAN UNION AFFAIRS (DEUA)

The Directorate for European Union Affairs (DEUA) is the Lead Institution of the civil society sub-sector of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. In the context of the EU accession process, the DEUA (previously the Ministry for EU Affairs) has developed numerous projects that support the development of civil society in Turkey. These projects have been developed with the aim of increasing the efficiency of public and civil society in Turkey, enhancing the dialogue process in relation to EU affairs and contributing to improved knowledge and mutual understanding between the citizens of Turkey and of the EU.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Directorate for European Union Affairs (DEUA) as the Lead Institution of the civil society sub-sector, is responsible for the overall coordination of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue project.

WEBSITE

www.ab.gov.tr

DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO TURKEY (EUD)

The Delegation of the European Union to Turkey (EUD) is based in Ankara and represents the EU and its institutions in Turkey. The EUD aims to provide accessible, accurate and up-to-date information to the Turkish public on the European Union, as well as on Turkey’s EU accession process.

The main missions of the EUD include:

  1. In the external relations field, reporting on Turkey’s foreign policy and representing the European Union at diplomatic level.
  2. In relation to the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU, monitoring economic, financial and trade developments in Turkey, as well as the implementation of the Customs Union’s provisions.
  3. In the framework of the EU accession negotiations, monitoring Turkey’s progress in meeting the relevant political criteria and the legal requirements (EU acquis) and supporting the advancement of the negotiations.
  4. Maintaining close contacts and coordinate its work with the embassies of the member states of the EU accredited to Turkey. And also maintain a wide range of contacts with public authorities, political parties, business circles, academia and think tanks, civil society organisations and cultural operators. In addition, implementing a comprehensive information and communication programme aimed at fostering the visibility and understanding of the European Union, its values and its activities in Turkey.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Delegation of the European Union to Turkey (EUD) is responsible for ex-ante approval of the overall activities under the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue (TEBD) project financed by the European Union in the framework of cooperation with the Pre-Accession Financial Assistance Programme for Turkey.

WEBSITE

www.avrupa.info.tr

CENTRAL FINANCE AND CONTRACTS UNIT (CFCU)

The Central Finance and Contracts Unit (CFCU) is administratively linked to the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkey, and is responsible for the financial management of EU funded programmes. As the Implementing Agency, CFCU ensures the EU rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to the procurement of services, supplies, works and grants are adhered to and that the reporting system is functioning properly. It is responsible for the overall budgeting, tendering, contracting, payments, accounting and financial reporting aspects of all procurement of services, supplies, works and grants in the framework of EU funded programmes.

RESPONSIBILITY

CFCU is the Contracting Authority of the Turkey-EU Business Dialogue project and is responsible for the administrative and financial implementation of the project.

WEBSITE

www.cfcu.gov.tr