EU-Turkey trade talks in Brussels concluded on Tuesday with Ankara calling for recognition as an equal partner under the bloc’s new industrial policies. The two sides also announced the removal of a barrier involving Turkey’s TAREKS import inspection system and progress on the mutual recognition of authorised economic operators.
The third high-level EU-Turkey trade dialogue was co-chaired by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. It followed a business roundtable attended by representatives of the EU and Turkish business communities.
Turkey seeks role in ‘Made in EU’ policy
At a joint press conference at the European Commission headquarters, Bolat called for Turkey to be treated as a partner, or equal partner, “from the beginning” under the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and the EU’s ‘Made in EU’ initiative.
He cited three decades of industrial integration under the EU-Turkey Customs Union, particularly in the automotive sector, arguing that new European industrial policies should not disrupt established supply chains.
According to figures presented by Bolat, bilateral trade in the automotive sector amounts to €55 billion annually, accounting for 26% of bilateral trade. He added that European companies control 75% of Turkey’s vehicle production.
“This is not a one-way street,” Bolat said, warning against measures that could undermine the Customs Union or disrupt supply chains.
Šefčovič, responding to concerns about competitiveness, said the Commission’s proposals were intended to address distortions in international trade, state subsidies and practices inconsistent with World Trade Organisation rules.
He noted that many proposals were still being negotiated with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, without committing to any specific treatment for Turkey.
TAREKS import barrier to be removed
In their joint statement, the EU and Turkey announced the removal of a barrier relating to import inspections under TAREKS, Turkey’s risk-based foreign trade inspection system.
The two sides agreed to continue constructive cooperation on practical issues raised by European businesses.
Šefčovič said Turkey had introduced transparency measures intended to facilitate exports from the EU. The joint statement also confirmed their intention to advance implementation of the mutual recognition agreement for authorised economic operators.
Both sides welcomed Turkey’s completed alignment with the EU’s new Machinery Regulation, describing it as an important step towards the free movement of goods within the Customs Union without technical barriers.
Market access and regulatory cooperation
The dialogue also covered outstanding market access issues, including export taxes on hides and semi-processed leather, import surveillance measures, registration-based monitoring of textile products and raw materials, and alcoholic beverages.
Both sides agreed to continue technical discussions on these matters.
Progress was also reported on Turkey’s access to the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). Technical talks were agreed on access to the EU’s Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP), the release of batches of pharmaceutical products and the mutual recognition of electronic signatures.
Other topics included public procurement, the circular economy, business mobility, digital trade, trade defence and cooperation within the World Trade Organisation.
The two sides also discussed cooperation to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions.
Calls for closer economic ties
Šefčovič said businesses on both sides were calling for the modernisation of the Customs Union and closer cooperation on the green and digital transitions.
The joint statement said the EU and Turkey had agreed to maintain close contact and work towards more predictable and transparent trade relations.
The dialogue was presented as a platform for maintaining momentum in economic cooperation, although no commitment was made to Turkey’s request for equal treatment under the EU’s new industrial policy framework.
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