Türkiye And EU Urged To Strengthen Economic Cooperation Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat has urged Türkiye and the European Union to strengthen economic cooperation, competitiveness and economic security amid global trade uncertainty. He cited bilateral trade exceeding $233 billion and European investment accounting for approximately 70 per cent of foreign direct investment in Türkiye. Bolat called for EU industrial policies to recognise existing supply chains under the Customs Union and reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to cooperation in manufacturing, green technology, digital transformation and international trade.

Türkiye and the European Union must strengthen their economic cooperation and adopt a shared approach to competitiveness and economic security as global trade faces increasing uncertainty, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat has said.
Bolat made the remarks following the Türkiye EU Business Summit in Brussels on Tuesday, where he addressed business leaders alongside European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. The summit attracted representatives from Turkish and European business communities, highlighting the importance both sides attach to their economic relationship.
He said closer cooperation would help Türkiye and the EU protect their economic interests, strengthen industrial production and maintain reliable supply chains amid changing global trade conditions.

BILATERAL TRADE HIGHLIGHTS STRONG ECONOMIC TIES

Bolat said trade between Türkiye and the EU had exceeded $233 billion, while European investment accounted for approximately 70 per cent of foreign direct investment in Türkiye.
He said the figures demonstrated the depth of their economic partnership and the mutual dependence between the two sides.
The EU is an important market for Turkish manufacturers and exporters, while European companies benefit from Türkiye's industrial capacity and geographical position, which support production and supply networks.
Their economic relationship covers manufacturing, investment and the movement of goods across European and Turkish markets.
Bolat's remarks highlight the shared interest in maintaining stable commercial relations, particularly as businesses face changing trade policies, geopolitical tensions and increasing competition from other major economies.

CUSTOMS UNION AT THE CENTRE OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Bolat stressed that the EU's new industrial and competitiveness policies should take into account the established production and supply chains linking Türkiye and European economies through the Customs Union.
The Türkiye EU Customs Union, which came into effect in 1996, has helped facilitate trade in industrial goods between the two sides. It has also strengthened links between Turkish manufacturers and European businesses.
Bolat argued that future European policies should recognise Türkiye's contribution to European production and industrial development.
He described Türkiye as more than a trading partner, saying the country also served as a production base, a reliable supply chain partner and a strategic participant in global competition.
This relationship is significant because changes in industrial policies, trade regulations and supply chain requirements can affect businesses that manufacture goods in Türkiye for European markets.
Closer coordination could help reduce disruptions, encourage investment and enable companies on both sides to plan production and trade more effectively.

EU COMMISSIONER EMPHASISES STRATEGIC
TRADE RELATIONS

Bolat said Sefcovic highlighted the strategic importance of economic and trade relations between Türkiye and the EU.
According to the Turkish minister, the EU commissioner also emphasised the role of the High Level Trade Dialogue in advancing cooperation.
The dialogue provides a channel for Turkish and European officials to discuss trade issues and explore ways to improve their economic relationship.
These discussions cover not only the exchange of goods but also wider concerns about industrial competitiveness, investment, economic security and the future of international supply chains.
Deeper cooperation will depend on both sides finding practical ways to address their concerns and advance their shared economic interests.

GREEN AND DIGITAL TRANSITIONS OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Bolat reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to expanding cooperation with the EU in the green and digital transitions.
The green transition involves moving towards more environmentally sustainable production and energy systems, while the digital transition includes the wider use of technology, automation and digital services in business and industry.
These developments are reshaping manufacturing and international trade. Companies increasingly face pressure to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and adopt new technologies to remain competitive.
Türkiye and the EU could benefit from stronger cooperation by supporting innovation, encouraging investment and helping businesses meet changing market requirements.
Bolat also called for more effective use of opportunities offered by the Customs Union and stronger connections between Turkish and European business communities.
He said these efforts would help improve joint competitiveness and expand bilateral trade.

TÜRKIYE SEEKS A STRONGER ROLE IN GLOBAL TRADE

Bolat linked Türkiye's economic ambitions to the Century of Türkiye vision pursued under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He said the initiative aims to expand the country's production, exports, investment and technological capabilities while strengthening its position in the global economy.
Türkiye would continue drawing on its strategic location, industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce and manufacturing capacity to advance its role in international trade, he added.
The country's geographical position between Europe and Asia gives it access to important regional markets and transport routes. Its manufacturing sector also provides a foundation for trade with European partners and other economies.
The government's stated ambition is to build on these advantages by increasing production capacity, attracting investment and developing higher value economic activities.

ECONOMIC SECURITY BECOMES INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT

The emphasis on economic security reflects wider concerns about the vulnerability of international supply chains and the effects of global trade disputes.
Governments and businesses have increasingly focused on securing access to essential materials, diversifying suppliers and reducing risks associated with disruptions to production and transportation.
For Türkiye and the EU, their established industrial connections could provide opportunities to strengthen supply reliability and maintain access to important markets.
However, changes in trade regulations and industrial policies could create difficulties for businesses operating across their shared production networks.
Maintaining dialogue and recognising their mutual economic interests could therefore help both sides respond to these challenges.

PROSPECTS FOR DEEPER ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Stronger Türkiye EU economic relations could create opportunities for businesses through expanded trade, investment and more reliable supply chains. Cooperation in digital technology and environmentally sustainable production could also help companies adapt to changing global standards.
For Türkiye, closer economic engagement with the EU could support export growth and strengthen its role as a manufacturing and logistics centre. For European businesses, Turkish production capacity could contribute to supply chain diversification and industrial competitiveness.
However, the extent of these benefits will depend on the policies adopted by both sides and their ability to turn discussions into practical cooperation.
Bolat said Türkiye remained determined to deepen economic ties with the EU and strengthen cooperation between their business communities.
His remarks underline Ankara's position that Türkiye's contribution to European production and trade should be recognised as both sides seek to protect their economic interests and remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain global economy.