Eskişehir European Union Information Center: Serving as a cultural and social bridge

Cemil Koca

The Eskişehir European Union Information Center began its activities on March 18, 2010, within the framework of a protocol signed with the European Union Delegation to Turkey. The center operates to create a cultural, artistic, social, and commercial bridge between Eskişehir and the European Union. We obtained detailed information about the center’s activities in an interview with Eskişehir European Union Information Center Coordinator Gökhan Çobansoy.

Extensive Collaboration with Various Segments

Gökhan Çobansoy stated that the center works extensively with students, artists, farmers, and non-governmental organizations. He mentioned that they have organized numerous public and free events, including cinema days, nature activities, tree-planting events, panels, and seminars. The center has held approximately 37 events and interacted with over 30,000 people.

18 Information Centers Across Turkey

Çobansoy noted that there are a total of 18 European Union Information Centers across Turkey, generally operating within chambers of commerce and industry. He added that there are two centers in Istanbul operating under the Istanbul Development Foundation. Projects based in Eskişehir primarily focus on the Eskişehir region and aim to increase the visibility of the European Union.

Collaboration with Embassies

Çobansoy explained that the center works closely with the embassies of European Union countries, organizing film screenings and various events. He mentioned that they maintain direct contact with embassies in Ankara, such as those of Italy, France, and Hungary, and have hosted events like the Swedish Film Days.

Future Projects and Awareness Campaigns

Future projects include combating violence against women, World Environment Day events, and awareness campaigns on special days like March 8, International Women’s Day. Çobansoy also noted that during the pandemic, they organized awareness-raising billboard campaigns. The center aims to reach different segments of society at all times.

Close Contact with Students

Highlighting their close contact with students, Çobansoy mentioned their collaboration with clubs at Anadolu University. He stated that they organize events for journalism students, bringing renowned journalists together with students, and hosting events like human rights film festivals. He assured that activities with students will continue.

Digitization and Future Plans

Çobansoy stated that the center will announce its activities through social media accounts and a soon-to-be-completed website. By doing so, they aim to reach a wider audience and increase participation in their events.

The Eskişehir European Union Information Center continues to serve the people of Eskişehir with its cultural and social projects, strengthening the relations between the European Union and Turkey.

Interview: Gökhan Çobansoy

Gökhan Çobansoy provided detailed information about the projects the center has carried out to date and its future plans. “As a center, we aim to create a cultural, artistic, and social bridge between Eskişehir and the European Union. We work with a wide range of people, from students to artists, farmers to non-governmental organizations,” he said. He also provided information about awareness campaigns during the pandemic and future projects. Çobansoy emphasized that events for students will continue and that they aim to reach wider audiences through digitization.

We thank Gökhan Çobansoy for the interview.