Potocnik encourages Turkey to participate in FP7
Janez Potocnik has encouraged the Turkish government to sign up to the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Mr Potocnik is on his first official visit to Turkey as European Commissioner for Science and Research. In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Abdüllatif Sener and Prof Nüket Yetis, acting President of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK), Mr Potocnik pledged to make the terms of association as attractive as possible for Turkey, and proposed the development of an action plan specifically targeted on supporting Turkey in improving its research capacity. 'Research is at the top of the political agenda now in the EU,' he said. 'I have come to Turkey with the message that science and research is crucial for our quality of life and economic well-being. Research is an excellent way for the EU and Turkey to work together for our common future.' During his trip, Mr Potocnik also attended a conference on European Technology Platforms (ETPs), where he encouraged Turkish researchers to participate more in the European Technology Platforms as well as the wider Framework Programme. 'I would be really pleased to see more Turkish participation in this next Framework programme,' he told delegates. 'I note that there has recently been an increased Turkish participation in projects in the FP6 [Sixth Framework Programme] Information Society Technologies, environment and nanotechnology programmes. It is time to build on this.'
Countries
Türkiye