Trade minister foresees potential shift in Türkiye-EU relations with customs union decision

Trade Minister Omer Bolat suggests that the upcoming EU decision on the renewal of the Customs Union could potentially mark the beginning of a new phase

Trade Minister Omer Bolat said that an upcoming decision from the European Council, expected in a week, regarding the renewal of the Customs Union with the European Union (EU) could potentially initiate a new approach in Türkiye-EU relations.

The minister made the statement during the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD) program in Berlin, Germany.

Bolat highlighted Türkiye’s trade volume with the European Union reaching $211 billion in 2023, saying: “This is why Türkiye-EU relations are very important. However, Germany, as the center of Europe, is also very significant in every aspect. Its economy, financial power, trade, investments, tourism, and service sector are of great importance for the Turkish economy.”

Emphasizing that Türkiye is “economically a member of the EU through the Customs Union,” Bolat noted that despite disruptions in the global supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war, there has been no interruption in the supply of goods from Türkiye to Europe.

Bolat maintained that Türkiye is in close contact with Germany to “unlock the key” regarding its EU membership, stating: “We want to sit down with the EU to discuss the modernization of the Customs Union and its inclusion of the service sector. The decision that will come from the European Council in a week may potentially start a new approach in Türkiye-EU relations.”

Source: Newsroom

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