GRF–CeSPI Conference on
“Italy and Turkey: A Vision for Europe and Beyond”
19 January 2026

The conference titled “Italy and Turkey: A Vision for Europe and Beyond,” jointly organised by the Global Relations Forum (GRF) and CeSPI – Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, was held on 19 January at Feriye Palace.

The conference began with opening remarks by H. Zeynep Bodur Okyay, Chair of Kale Group and CEO and Chair of the GRF Board of Directors, and Ambassador (R) Selim Yenel, Chair of the GRF Executive Committee. It proceeded with two sessions titled “Overcoming Political Obstacles for a Secure Future” and “Economic and Trade Opportunities.” Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta participated online as the guest of honour.

The meeting focused on the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of Turkey–Italy relations within the European context, strengthening cooperation amid global geopolitical uncertainties, and the EU’s competitiveness agenda. In addition to structural issues such as completing the European Single Market, digitalisation, and the modernisation of the Customs Union, the conference also addressed political deadlocks in Turkey–EU relations, areas of societal engagement—particularly visas and education—and Italy’s potential facilitating role within the EU with regard to Turkey.