In 2005 Turkey had applied for the observer status of the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF) which consists of 6 European countries (France, Italy, Portugal, Spain Romania and The Netherlands). 

During the High Level Interdepartmental Committee (CIMIN) meeting of 13 May 2009, Turkey was granted the status of EGF observer. 

Internal legal procedures will be concluded by the Parties in the period ahead. 

We welcome this decision, which will constitute an added value in terms of Turkey’s important contributions to international security.