The European Union is set to hold a high-level dialogue with Türkiye on economic issues in March or April, marking the first such meeting in six years. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced during a European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee session in Brussels on Tuesday.
Rekindling Economic Ties
Kos highlighted Türkiye’s contributions to aiding refugees, emphasizing the EU’s decision to foster enhanced dialogue with Ankara. This initiative follows the first High-Level Dialogue on Trade held on July 8, 2024, and aligns with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Türkiye in December 2024, where she met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss economic and geopolitical matters.
The last High-Level Economic Dialogue between Türkiye and the EU took place on February 28, 2019, in Istanbul.
Strengthening Trade Relations
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has expressed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening trade relations with the EU. Following his meeting with Thomas Hans Ossowski, the head of the EU’s delegation to Türkiye, Bolat emphasized Türkiye’s focus on modernizing the customs union agreement and addressing visa-related challenges faced by the business community.
“Türkiye attaches great importance to the multifaceted development of its relations with the EU,” Bolat stated, highlighting Ankara’s advocacy for inclusive trade policies and collaboration in green and digital transformation.
A Path Toward Renewed Cooperation
Despite longstanding trade ties and cooperation on migration, relations between Türkiye and the EU have been strained over issues such as customs union modernization and an increase in visa rejections. The upcoming economic dialogue aims to address these concerns while fostering a closer partnership in trade, green initiatives, and digital transformation.
As both sides prepare for this critical dialogue, the move signifies a potential turning point in Türkiye-EU relations, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and economic growth.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.
Follow our English language YouTube videos @ REAL TURKEY: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg
And content at Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/