Istanbul EU Information Center which has been established in cooperation with Bahçeşehir University and European Union Turkey Delegation, has started operating. After the opening ceremony visitors were invited to the cocktail which also included EU grant project exhibition. This is the first time such a center has opened in a university. The ceremony was also the first reception of Ambassador Jean-Maurice RIPERT, who is the president of EU Turkey Delegation.
The 21st of EU Information Centers which aim carrying European Union the local levels, enlighten the society about EU, prevent the biases with regard to EU-Turkey relationship, and enable a true and regular information flow to the public, has started operating in Bahçeşehir University.
Undersecretary Michael Miller and Istanbul vice governor Kazım Tekin also participated in the ceremony to whom press members paid great attention. Enver Yücel, the President of Board of Trustee of Bahçeşehir University, Vice Rector Hasan Şimşek and Ambassador Maurice Ripert gave a speech in the opening ceremony and Hasan Şimşek stated that “Bahçeşehir University will keep maintaining true information flow about EU relations and EU legislation within the EU accession period of Turkey”.
Enver Yücel stated that, “We have absolute confidence in that Turkey will join the European Union. Rather than an economy, EU is a culture and a life style. I believe that we will grow this center up in Istanbul.”
“HERE IS THE TEMPLE OF KNOWLEDGE AND GRACE”
In the beginning of his speech Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said that “I have to admit that this has been the most beautiful center that has been opened so far. It is located in a prestigious building. Istanbul is really a beautiful city and you are in the heart of Istanbul. Here is the temple of knowledge and grace.” And he continued “To carry out studies about European Union and popularizing European Union is a challenge of Turkey. EU-Turkey is a common adventure of both youth and politicians. This is what we call believing in the same dream. And I completely engage myself in this dream.”
TR
