The General Assembly of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), the highest decision-making body of the organization, convened in Istanbul under the hosting of the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK). The meeting brought together more than 80 high-level representatives from accreditation bodies of 46 countries and international stakeholder organizations.
In his opening speech at the 57th General Assembly, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the TÜRKAK Board of Directors, Mehmet Kemal Bozay, stated, “Through platforms like EA, we continue to build bridges, foster dialogue, and align with the highest European standards. By hosting this General Assembly, we reaffirm our belief in the power of European cooperation and the vital role of accreditation in supporting innovation, trade, and sustainable development.”
Describing Istanbul as a city where continents, cultures, and hearts converge, Secretary General Banu Müderrisoğlu noted, “Even when countries, people, or cultures may seem distant from one another, we can build enduring bridges through cooperation, communication, trust, and shared goals.”
During the two-day event, the EA 2030 Strategy Workshop was also held. Strategic topics such as digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of communication networks were discussed. The meetings served as an important platform for laying the groundwork for decisions that will shape EA’s future vision.
At the closing of the General Assembly, TÜRKAK Secretary General Banu Müderrisoğlu officially handed over the hosting role to the President of the Austrian Accreditation Agency (AA), Norman Brunner, by presenting a special Istanbul-themed gift symbolizing the spirit of EA.
In addition, a cooperation protocol was signed between TÜRKAK and the Portuguese Accreditation Body (IPAC) as part of the event.
