“We are delighted to have found a director in James Rizzo who will continue our successful work in Turkey. Fostering exchange and encounters for improved mutual understanding between Germany and Turkey in a common Europe remains the focus of our activities and commitment in Turkey”, says Dr Anne Duncker, director of Stiftung Mercator’s Centre for Europe. Rizzo previously worked as political desk officer at the European Commission’s Turkey unit.
Outgoing director Dr Daniel Grütjen is now responsible for the Turkey portfolio of Stiftung Mercator in Essen, allowing the close cooperation between the two locations to be further expanded. Being Europe’s neighbour, Turkey is a focal region – alongside China and Europe – in the international work of Stiftung Mercator. Currently, Stiftung Mercator is supporting and organizing 35 projects with a total funding volume of 23 million euros. One focus is on school and youth exchanges. Established in 2014 and with a funding volume of over six million euros, the German-Turkish youth bridge plays a central role here. Its objective is to contribute to good German-Turkish relations in a common Europe. Applications are currently invited for the Turkey Europe Future Forum: young leaders from Europe and Turkey have until 18 February to apply to take part in the Forum, which will be staged in Berlin and Paris in July.
Further information about Stiftung Mercator’s engagement in Turkey here.