As part of the events marking the 100th anniversary of Türkiye-Netherlands friendship, a reception brought together graduates who had completed their studies in the Netherlands through the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program.
The event, held at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador in Ankara, was hosted by the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Türkiye, Joep Wijnands. Among the attendees were Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, and numerous Jean Monnet scholars.
A SYMBOL OF COOPERATION
In his opening speech, Ambassador Joep Wijnands described the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program as a vital indicator of the collaboration between Türkiye and the European Union. He emphasized that the program significantly contributes to strengthening academic relations between two countries.
Highlighting the importance of Türkiye-Netherlands relations, Wijnands noted that this year marks the centennial of the two nations’ friendship. He remarked, “Our partnership and friendship are very strong. We are not only NATO allies but also significant trade partners. The Netherlands ranks as the top foreign investor in Turkey.”
EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF FUNDS
Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski commended the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program, calling it a well-perceived and widely appreciated initiative. He stressed that EU funds utilized in Türkiye are managed effectively, stating, “The implementation and evaluation processes of these funds in Türkiye are exemplary due to the highly educated bureaucracy here—something we cannot say for many candidate countries.”
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Deputy Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay likened today’s global atmosphere to a time of “uncertainties,” suggesting that the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program serves as a “beacon.” He explained that the program provides insights into the direction Türkiye-EU and Türkiye -Netherlands relations should take in the future.
ESTABLISHED IN 1990
The Jean Monnet Scholarship Program has been implemented since 1990 to support Türkiye’s aim of full EU membership. It seeks to enhance the country’s expertise in EU-related fields and strengthen the administrative capacity needed for effective implementation of EU legislation.
