Türkiye-EU high-level economic dialogue resumes after 6-year hiatus

The Türkiye-European Union High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) resumes on April 3 in Brussels after a six-year break, marking a renewed effort to enhance bilateral economic relations and reinforce long-term strategic cooperation.

The meeting, to be held with the participation of Türkiye’s Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, is considered a significant milestone in reactivating high-level engagement between the two sides.

Strategic platform for Türkiye-EU economic cooperation

The HLED mechanism was established during the Türkiye-EU Summit on November 29, 2015, to foster economic dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding.

Previous meetings took place in 2016, 2017, and 2019, with Türkiye hosting the first and third rounds, and Belgium the second.

Following a decision by the EU General Affairs Council in December 2024—later endorsed at the European Council—the dialogue has officially been revived. The April 3 meeting in Brussels marks the beginning of a new phase.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Minister Simsek, European Commission Executive Vice President for Economy and Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.

Dialogue to cover macroeconomics, investment, and trade

The meeting will consist of two main sessions:

• Government-level discussions on macroeconomic outlooks, competitiveness, and structural reforms, co-chaired by Simsek and Dombrovskis.
• Business-level forums where leading representatives from Türkiye and EU industries will discuss trade and investment opportunities with EU commissioners and ministers.

Key European financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), will also be represented at the event.

Simsek is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Commissioners Dombrovskis and Kos to discuss future cooperation and strategic partnership areas.

‘We are ready for stronger and multidimensional cooperation with the EU’

Minister Simsek stated that he sees the resumption of the meetings after six years as a very valuable step in the revival of Türkiye-EU relations and said, “As someone who co-chaired the first meeting held in 2016, I am pleased that this platform is being revived.”

Emphasizing that EU membership is a strategic goal for Türkiye, Simsek said that approximately 42% of the country’s exports are made to EU countries and that Türkiye is the 5th largest trading partner of the Union.

Simsek highlighted that rising protectionist trends in global trade, along with advancements in e-commerce, digitalization, and green transformation, make an updated trade framework essential.

“Expanding the Customs Union to include public procurement, services, and agriculture; facilitating visas for businesspeople and students; and fostering joint projects in third countries present key opportunities for Turkiye-EU cooperation. From defense to energy, agriculture to manufacturing, we are ready to strengthen and deepen our partnership with the EU through our expertise and capabilities,” Simsek added.