German development cooperation with Turkey dates back to the 1960s, when the Ankara Agreement was signed between the European Economic Community (EEC) and Turkey. Based on this association agreement, a customs union was formed between the EU and Turkey in 1995. A review of the Accession Partnership in March 2003 prioritised reform and opened up opportunities for financial support. On the basis of this partnership, Turkey’s government has developed a detailed national programme to integrate the EU’s body of legislation, the acquis communautaire, into its own legislation.

The reforms to align Turkey with the acquis communautaire are to be implemented by 2014. By introducing nine major reform packages, which have incorporated several constitutional amendments, the Turkish parliament has already met many of the EU requirements governing the legislative aspect of the accession partnership. The constitutional amendments include abolishing the death penalty, enshrining gender equality and reducing the competences of the military.

In addition to financial support from the EU, Turkey receives significant financial assistance from the World Bank.

German development cooperation with Turkey focuses on the following areas:

• Sustainable economic development
• Environment and climate change adaptation

At regional level, GIZ is currently concentrating on providing support to Anatolia. In order to promote cooperation with Turkey, GIZ has established an office in Ankara.