Turkey soon to benefit from Socrates programme Turkey is one step closer to being able to benefit from the European Commission's Socrates education action programme. Following the publication of the Council's common position, amendments to the Decision on the programme to allow Turkey's participation are expected to enter ... Turkey is one step closer to being able to benefit from the European Commission's Socrates education action programme. Following the publication of the Council's common position, amendments to the Decision on the programme to allow Turkey's participation are expected to enter into force in the coming months. Currently, Turkey cannot participate in the programme, but with the nation's links to the European Community bolstered by the entry in force of the final phase of the customs union, and continuing negotiations, this could change by the new year. Under the amended Decision, Turkey will be able to participate in the Socrates programme under similar conditions to those currently laid down for Cyprus and Malta at the earliest possible date. The agreement is hoped to help to promote educational exchanges of young people and academics between the EU and Turkey. Countries Türkiye