Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme alumni came together once again at a special gathering held in Istanbul on Friday, 28 November 2025. Bringing together alumni from different academic years of the Programme—which has been funded by the European Union and successfully implemented for 35 years—the event provided a platform for meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.

Hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü, the Istanbul Alumni Gathering brought together senior representatives of the stakeholder institutions, diplomatic missions of EU Member States, and Jean Monnet alumni from various periods of the Programme’s long history.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Deputy Minister Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü, who underlined the Programme’s role in strengthening expertise-based cooperation in Türkiye–EU relations and highlighted the significant contribution of Jean Monnet alumni to Türkiye’s institutional capacity.

Following the opening session, the gathering continued with a reception accompanied by music and networking activities, bringing together officials from the Directorate for EU Affairs, Jean Monnet alumni, diplomatic representatives of EU Member States, and international stakeholders of the Programme. Providing a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Programme’s journey and to revitalise the strong bonds built among alumni over the years, the event concluded in a warm and engaging atmosphere.