DEIK: Türkiye Must Be at the Table with EU Amid Global Shifts, Trade Realignments

Türkiye has a historic opportunity to redefine its position in the evolving global trade and political landscape, according to Nail Olpak, President of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). Speaking at a recent press conference, Olpak emphasized that Türkiye must claim a seat at the table with the European Union, especially as the world undergoes major transitions—from trade wars to geopolitical tensions and changing global leadership.

“Türkiye enjoys a balanced bilateral trade volume of $327 billion with the EU. But the dynamics are shifting, and Europe must make strategic decisions, particularly in light of new leadership and reallocated budgets,” Olpak said.

EU-Türkiye: Progress, But Not Enough

Olpak highlighted long-standing issues in Türkiye-EU relations—chief among them the visa regime and the stalled Customs Union update.

“We’ve seen minor progress on upgrading the Türkiye-EU Customs Union, but it’s not sufficient. Talks have been suspended at times, including over the Eastern Mediterranean crisis,” he noted.

The high-level economic dialogue between Türkiye and the EU has been dormant for two years, which Olpak described as a period of “high-level trade freeze.” However, he acknowledged that recent diplomatic movements signal renewed interest in collaboration.

Global Realignment Creates New Openings

Olpak pointed out the shifting regional dynamics, noting that post-Baathist Syria and rising Saudi influence in the Gulf are redrawing alliances.

“We’re choosing to focus on regions where we face fewer issues. Meanwhile, Europe is rethinking its place in a rapidly evolving world order,” he said.

Yalçındağ: “Türkiye Must Not Wait Its Turn”

Mehmet Ali Yalçındağ, Chair of DEIK’s Türkiye-Europe Business Councils, echoed the call for action. Fresh off a DEIK event in Italy attended by 600 businesspeople, Yalçındağ shared that President Erdoğan encouraged strong economic outreach to Europe.

“We need to visit Italy, Germany, France, and Spain at least twice a year to hold such meetings. The goal is $40 billion in trade with Italy alone,” he said.

He argued that the U.S. disrupted the geopolitical status quo, and Europe needs to decide its own position—urgently.

“The EU has a $20 trillion economy, with less than half the population of the U.S., which stands at $28 trillion. Europe must act—Türkiye should be part of this strategic reshaping,” Yalçındağ emphasized.

Türkiye’s Message to the EU: “Let’s Reshape the Table Together”

“We told our European partners: ‘Don’t wait for your turn. Take Türkiye with you. Reshape the table and secure your position,’” Yalçındağ concluded.

As the world economic order is redefined, DEIK is pushing for Türkiye to be seen not just as a neighbor—but as a core partner of Europe with deep trade ties and shared strategic interests.