Turkey-EU Relaunch: New Finance & Customs Union Talks
Turkey-EU Relations Relaunch: Finance and Customs Union in Focus
Turkish Minister of Finance Mehmet Şimşek held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Márta Kos. The negotiations became an important signal of a possible relaunch of relations between Turkey and the European Union.
Şimşek called on the parties to take "bold steps," emphasizing the need to update the format of cooperation. In turn, Márta Kos stated that Turkey and the EU need a "new perspective" that corresponds to modern global challenges.
Financial Agreements with the European Investment Bank
Following the meeting, an agreement was signed with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Under the agreements:
- Turkish Eximbank will receive a loan of 100 million euros.
- The Development and Investment Bank of Turkey (TKYB) will also attract 100 million euros.
The financing will be directed towards:
- Supporting the "green" transformation of the economy;
- Development of digitalization and sustainable technologies.
Customs Union: Turkey Demands an Update
Separate attention during the negotiations was given to the Turkey-EU Customs Union. Mehmet Şimşek stated that the current agreement is morally obsolete and does not meet the realities of the modern economy.
Ankara insists on its expansion to include:
- The services sector;
- Agriculture;
- Public procurement.
According to the Turkish side, updating the Customs Union will be a key step towards deepening economic integration with the EU.
Security, Climate, and Energy
In addition to the economy, the parties discussed security and climate agenda issues. It was noted that in a context of global instability, cooperation in the spheres of:
- Energy,
- Logistics,
- Sustainable development
becomes not a choice but a necessity for both Turkey and the European Union.
"In an unstable world, energy and logistics partnership turns into a strategic foundation of resilience."
The meeting between Şimşek and Kos showed the willingness of the parties to seek new formats for dialogue and pragmatic cooperation capable of bringing mutual benefit in the medium and long term.
