IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu highlighted the significance of the Türkiye-EU High-Level Dialogue on Trade meeting held in Brussels on 8 July 2024, considering it a positive step for the development of Türkiye-EU relations. IKV Chairperson Zeytinoğlu made the following remarks:

“For the first time, a high-level dialogue meeting on trade between Türkiye and the EU was held. We consider the implementation of one of the recommendations from last year’s report, which proposed revitalizing Türkiye-EU relations, as a positive step. Prior to the dialogue meeting between our Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and the European Commission’s Vice-President for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, we, as IKV, participated in a roundtable meeting with business representatives from Europe. It is crucial that the trade dialogue progresses with the involvement of business organizations. The development of Türkiye-EU trade relations and the modernization of the Customs Union are supported by business organizations representing Türkiye and the EU. However, negotiations addressing the resolution of issues within the Customs Union and the addition of new areas have not started due to political obstacles. We hope that the initial High-Level Trade Dialogue will accelerate this process. Recent developments and changes in the EU market necessitate the adaptation of the Customs Union to these changes. The European Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, particularly, are setting the agenda regarding product standards, decarbonization, and transition to renewable energies. Additionally, we expect solutions to issues that hinder the proper functioning of the Customs Union. We hope for the initiation of a negotiation process that addresses topics such as the quotas imposed by Member States on TIR passages and compliance with FTAs signed by the EU. Furthermore, enhancing trade with the EU, which accounts for approximately 41% of Türkiye’s exports, in the areas of tertiary sector and agricultural products, and adapting to developments brought by digitalization will be important topics in this process. The role of Türkiye in the EU’s strategies to develop alternative trade networks to China and diversify supply chains to reduce risks is significant. Developing economic and trade relations with Türkiye, a reliable partner, will be a win-win formula for both sides.”