Omer Saglam is typical of Türkiye’s young, dynamic business-class managers. “I didn’t sleep all night, waiting for the Copenhagen decision,” he said, referring to the historic December 12, 2002 decision to admit ten new member states to the European Union. In fact, Saglam said he would love to find a Euro partner to have a half stake in his footwear machinery production and export business. However, hopes for Türkiye’s entry were deferred for a further two years and, in economic circles, the mood was one of disappointment, as Europe hesitated over giving Türkiye a definite ‘date’.

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