İKV Uzman Yardımcısı Bared Çil ve Fırat Akan tarafından kaleme alınan “Türkiye’s E-Government Track Record: Digital Transformations Inspiring Europe” başlıklı İngilizce değerlendirme İKV Brief serisinden yayımlandı. Bu değerlendirme notunda Türkiye’deki E-Devlet sisteminin başarısı, özellikleri ve AB’ye verdiği ilhamla birlikte bu ülkelerdeki benzer sistemler ele alınıyor.

TÜRKİYE’S E-GOVERNMENT TRACK RECORD: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS INSPIRING EUROPE

Bared Çil, IKV Junior Researcher
Fırat Akan, IKV Junior Researcher

Introduction

Over the past two decades, digital transformation has redefined the operational logic of modern governance. E-government—broadly defined as the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver public services, enhance administrative efficiency, and promote civic engagement—has emerged as a strategic priority for governments across the globe. This evolution reflects broader trends in public sector modernisation, driven by rapid technological innovation, changing citizen expectations, and the need for resilient, transparent, and inclusive state institutions. According to the OECD’s “Digital Government Index 2023”, UN E-Government Survey 2024 and subsequent policy reviews, countries with mature digital infrastructures and integrated governance platforms have demonstrated greater adaptability in responding to complex challenges, from global health crises to economic volatility^[1].

Within the EU, digital public administration has become a cornerstone of regional policy, enshrined in key strategies such as the Digital Decade 2030 and supported by legislative instruments like the eIDAS Regulation and the Interoperable Europe Act. The EU’s approach emphasises interoperability, cross-border access, and user-centricity as foundational principles. E-government is seen as a mechanism for administrative efficiency and a lever for deepening European integration and enhancing citizens’ digital rights^[2].

In parallel, Türkiye has embarked on its ambitious digital governance journey, establishing one of its region’s most expansive and centralised e-government ecosystems. The cornerstone of Türkiye’s approach is the e-Devlet Kapısı (www.turkiye.gov.tr), officially launched in 2008 and coordinated by the Presidency’s Digital Transformation Office in collaboration with TÜRKSAT and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).

Designed as a one-stop portal, the platform integrates services from over 1,000 public institutions, providing secure access to more than 7,000 services across sectors such as social security, health, education, and judiciary. Türkiye’s model emphasises vertical integration, mobile accessibility, and legislative support—most notably through the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 6698)—to ensure trust, inclusiveness, and scalability.

1. Türkiye’s E-Government System: Structure, Services, and Successes

Türkiye’s e-Government initiative is coordinated by the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency, in collaboration with TÜRKSAT and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). The central platform, known as e-Devlet Kapısı (https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/), was launched in 2008 to provide a unified digital gateway for public services.

1.1 Institutional and Technical Architecture

The system is built upon a centralised architecture that ensures interoperability among various government agencies. Key technical components include:

• National Identity Authentication System (Kimlik Doğrulama Sistemi): Utilizes the Turkish Citizenship Number (T.C. Kimlik No) for secure user verification.
• Electronic Signature Infrastructure: Enables legally binding digital transactions.
• Integration with Public Institutions: Facilitates seamless data exchange between ministries, municipalities, and other public entities^[3].

As of October 2023, the e-Devlet Kapısı offers over 7,415 services spanning various sectors, including:

• Social Security: Access to personal insurance records, premium payments, and pension applications.
• Healthcare: Appointment scheduling through the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS).
• Education: University registration, student loan applications, and diploma verification.
• Judiciary: Viewing court case details and submitting legal documents.
• Municipal Services: Address changes, tax payments, and utility subscriptions.

The platform has witnessed significant user engagement, with over 63.9 million registered users, representing approximately 76% of Türkiye’s population. The mobile application has further enhanced accessibility, offering over 4,355 services^[4].

1.2. Security and Data Protection Measures

Ensuring the security and privacy of user data is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s e-Government system. Measures include:

• Two-Factor Authentication: Combines password protection with SMS verification or mobile signature.
• Data Encryption: Protects sensitive information during transmission and storage.
• Compliance with Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK): Aligns with international standards for data privacy^[5].

The Turkish Data Protection Authority (KVKK), established under Law No. 6698 in 2016, oversees the enforcement of data protection regulations, ensuring that personal data is processed in accordance with fundamental rights and freedoms^[6].

1.3. Impact and Recognition

Türkiye’s e-Government model has garnered international recognition for its comprehensive approach and user-centric design. According to the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Türkiye has consistently improved its ranking, reflecting advancements in online services, telecommunication infrastructure, and human capital^[7].

Furthermore, several publications highlight the system’s role in enhancing administrative efficiency, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and promoting transparency. For instance, studies have noted that the centralised structure of Türkiye’s e-Government platform has significantly streamlined public service delivery^[8].

2. E-Government in the EU: Common Goals, Diverging Practices

Over the past two decades, the EU has increasingly positioned digital transformation as a cornerstone of its internal policy agenda. Recognising the transformative potential of digital public services in driving administrative efficiency, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion, the EU has introduced a range of strategies aimed at strengthening digital governance. These efforts are also closely linked to the broader objectives of the Digital Decade 2030, which sets targets for ensuring that 100% of key public services are available online for citizens and businesses by the end of the decade. Through a combination of legal instruments, funding mechanisms, and technical coordination frameworks, the EU seeks to reduce fragmentation and promote a cohesive digital ecosystem across Member States.

2.1. EU-Level Frameworks and Strategic Initiatives

One of the most comprehensive policy tools in this regard is the Digital Europe Programme (2021–2027), which was formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in April 2021. With a total budget of €7.5 billion, the programme is managed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT). It focuses on five key areas: supercomputing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the wide-scale deployment of digital technologies, including in the public sector. This programme represents a shift from earlier funding schemes (like Horizon 2020), emphasising implementation and infrastructure rather than research alone. For digital government, the Digital Europe Programme supports interoperable solutions, cross-border cooperation, and digital identity frameworks that enhance the delivery of services to citizens and businesses alike^[9].                                                     

The eGovernment Action Plan 2016–2020, launched by the European Commission in April 2016, was an important precursor to today’s digital public administration initiatives. Developed under the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy, it introduced foundational principles such as “digital-by-default”, meaning all public services should be available online as the norm, and the “once-only principle”, which requires that citizens and businesses should not have to supply the same information multiple times to public authorities. The Action Plan was coordinated by DG CONNECT in cooperation with national digital administrations, and it targeted full interoperability, open standards, and user-centred design across all levels of government. Although it formally concluded in 2020, many of its principles have been embedded in subsequent programs, including the ongoing Digital Decade policy framework^[10].

To simplify access to public services and strengthen legal clarity across borders, the EU also developed the Single Digital Gateway (SDG), officially launched on 12 December 2020 through Regulation (EU) 2018/1724. The SDG initiative is jointly implemented by national governments and the European Commission and serves as a one-stop portal—Your Europe—providing information and transactional services to citizens and businesses wishing to live, work, study, or do business in another EU country. Its operational scope includes not only access to national administrative procedures but also the implementation of the “once-only” principle in cross-border settings by 2023, as mandated in the regulation. The SDG plays a key role in operationalizing user-centric design and multilingual access, laying the groundwork for seamless digital mobility within the single market^[11].

A critical legal pillar supporting interoperability and trust across digital public services is the eIDAS Regulation (EU No. 910/2014), adopted by the European Parliament and Council in July 2014 and applied from 1 July 2016. This regulation establishes a European framework for electronic identification (eID) and trust services, including electronic signatures, seals, time stamps, and website authentication. The objective is to ensure that citizens and businesses can use their national eID systems to access public services in other EU countries, thereby enabling secure cross-border electronic interactions^[12].

Building upon eIDAS, the European Commission unveiled a proposal for the European Digital Identity Wallet in June 2021, which aims to give all EU citizens the ability to store and manage digital credentials such as driving licenses, educational diplomas, or health certificates on a smartphone or device of their choice. This wallet is expected to be rolled out gradually, with pilot projects co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme and formal adoption anticipated during the 2024–2025 period^[13]. 

2.2. National Implementations and Variations

Despite these EU-level efforts, national-level implementations vary considerably, shaped by each country’s administrative traditions, digital maturity, and political will.
To illustrate this divergence more concretely, the following section highlights the distinct approaches taken by selected Member States, each representing a different institutional and technological context within the Union. These examples shed light on both the diversity of national solutions and the broader challenges of achieving harmonisation across the EU.

• Estonia is often cited as the gold standard in digital governance due to its decentralised but interoperable X-Road platform, which enables secure data exchange between public and private institutions^[14].
• France operates FranceConnect, a secure single sign-on mechanism that allows users to access a range of public services with a unified identity system^[15].
• Germany, under its Onlinezugangsgesetz (OZG), mandates the digitization of public services across federal, state, and municipal levels, but faces challenges due to its complex federal structure^[16].
• Italy’s national identity system, SPID, offers citizens secure access to a wide array of digital services from both public and private providers^[17].

These national implementations underscore the complexity of achieving a cohesive e-government landscape across the EU. While countries like Estonia have embraced a fully digital identity infrastructure, others, such as Germany, contend with the intricacies of federalism and decentralised administrative systems. This heterogeneity is further evidenced by varying levels of user adoption, service integration, and legal frameworks governing digital interactions. Comparative analyses reveal that such disparities are not merely technical but are deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and institutional contexts that shape each country’s approach to digital governance.

Moreover, the European Commission’s “eGovernment Benchmark 2023” report highlights that despite some Member States showing impressive progress, significant asymmetries persist across the EU27+ group in the quality and reach of digital public services. For instance, while Malta (96) and Estonia (92) are identified as top performers with advanced levels of user centricity and service completeness, countries like Romania (45) and Greece (60) fall well below the EU27+ average of 70 points in overall eGovernment maturity. The report attributes this variation not only to technical capability but also to differing administrative structures and institutional readiness. Notably, Türkiye’s score increased by 10 points compared to the previous assessment, indicating rapid adaptation driven by centralised service integration and mobile accessibility. These findings reinforce that national success in digital transformation is not merely a function of financial investment but also strategic policy design and execution capacity^[18].

In addition to country scores, the report evaluates digital government systems across four dimensions: User Centricity, Transparency, Key Enablers, and Cross-Border Services. While the User Centricity score remains relatively high with an EU average of 90 points, Cross-Border Services average only 57 points, underlining the difficulties encountered by users accessing services from abroad. Furthermore, only 49% of cross-border users can complete public services online, compared to 84% for national users, primarily due to language barriers and non-recognition of foreign eID credentials. The gap between central and local digital service capacity is also stark: while 88% of central government services are fully digitalised, this rate drops to 62% at the local level. These structural imbalances suggest that for Europe to truly realise its 2030 Digital Decade goals, investments must target not only technological development but also governance harmonisation and local capacity-building^[19].

2.3. Challenges and Disparities

While significant progress has been made toward establishing a European digital public space, persistent structural and systemic challenges continue to limit the full realisation of interoperable and inclusive e-government services. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of technical and semantic interoperability between national systems. Although initiatives like the European Interoperability Framework (EIF) and the Interoperable Europe Act aim to address these gaps, the implementation of shared standards across Member States remains fragmented. This disparity is especially evident in cross-border service delivery, where the eGovernment Benchmark 2023 finds that only 49% of services are accessible online for cross-border users, compared to 84% for national users—pointing to substantial gaps in mutual recognition of electronic identities (eID), data exchange formats, and legal frameworks^[20].

Another significant challenge is the digital divide, which manifests not only between countries but also within them particularly between urban and rural regions. While leading Member States have successfully adopted mobile-first, cloud-based public service infrastructures, others continue to rely on legacy systems that are often inaccessible to vulnerable groups. The Benchmark report reveals that although 93% of European government websites are mobile-friendly, 82% of them still violate basic accessibility standards set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These barriers disproportionately affect the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with low digital literacy, thereby limiting the inclusiveness of e-government platforms. Academic research confirms this problem, emphasizing the need to embed Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles into digital public service design to make systems more usable and accessible for diverse populations^[21].

Closely linked to usability and accessibility are concerns around data protection and cybersecurity, which continue to pose both legal and operational challenges. While the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has established a strong legal foundation for safeguarding personal data, the practical application of its principles in complex digital ecosystems varies widely. According to Silva et al. (2023), many EU public sector portals fall short of international information security standards, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. In particular, the limited adoption of secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor eID systems and weak incident response capabilities remains widespread, particularly in newer or under-resourced Member States. This inconsistency undermines citizen trust and impedes the uptake of digital services, especially for transactions involving sensitive information^[22].

Finally, resource and capacity constraints continue to impede the development of robust digital infrastructures across the EU. Smaller or economically disadvantaged Member States often lack the technical know-how, funding mechanisms, and institutional coordination necessary for implementing large-scale digital reforms. The Benchmark report underscores that while 88% of central government services are fully online, the same is true for only 76% of regional and 62% of local services highlighting the scale of the internal fragmentation challenge. Additionally, Molodtsov and Nikiforova (2024) show that even when portals exist, they often underperform due to inadequate usability frameworks, low responsiveness, and fragmented user journeys. Addressing these gaps will require sustained investment, cross-border knowledge transfer, and policy alignment anchored in the principles of user-centricity and equal digital opportunity^[23].

3. Comparing Türkiye and EU Member States

To systematically evaluate Türkiye’s digital governance performance against the EU, a comparative analysis—examining Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—offers a structured framework to assess both internal and external factors influencing e-government development. This analytical approach enables the identification of Türkiye’s unique positioning within the broader European digital ecosystem, while accounting for shared regional challenges and asymmetric capacities among EU Member States.

Starting with the eGovernment Benchmark 2023 report, Türkiye’s rapid digital transformation, led by the Digital Transformation Office under the Presidency of the Republic, offers a centralised and citizen-focused model that contrasts with the often decentralised, multi-level governance structures observed in many EU Member States. At the same time, differences in regulatory alignment, digital literacy levels, and institutional interoperability underscore key areas where strategic convergence or cooperation with the EU remains both necessary and mutually beneficial.

Furthermore, according to the 2024 United Nations E-Government Survey, Türkiye has significantly improved its position in the global e-government rankings, particularly in the areas of online service delivery, telecommunications infrastructure, and human capital. The country is now approaching the “very high EGDI” tier, driven by a strong emphasis on mobile-first service provision and centralised digital platforms. Notably, Türkiye received high marks in the “User-Centricity” dimension, highlighting a citizen-oriented approach to digital service design. The report also underscores Türkiye’s progress in aligning with global norms on data protection and the integration of emerging technologies such as AI in public administration. These findings affirm that Türkiye’s digital governance model not only enhances administrative efficiency but also promotes inclusiveness and international interoperability.[24]

3.1. Strengths: Institutional Centralisation, Service Breadth, and User Reach

One of Türkiye’s most significant strengths in the e-government domain lies in its highly centralised governance model, coordinated by the Presidency’s Digital Transformation Office in cooperation with institutions such as TÜRKSAT and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). This vertical integration enables swift decision-making, uniform service standards, and consistent technological implementation across ministries and local authorities—a contrast to the more fragmented approaches seen in several EU Member States with federal or devolved structures, such as Germany or Belgium.

Another key advantage is the comprehensive service portfolio of the national e-Government Gateway (e-Devlet Kapısı), which by October 2023 hosted over 7,415 integrated services from more than 1,000 institutions, including ministries, municipalities, universities, and public enterprises. This level of service diversity positions Türkiye among the most advanced digital service providers globally, not only in terms of volume but also thematic breadth ranging from health and education to judiciary and social security. The platform’s user base—63.9 million registered users, representing approximately 76% of the population—underscores its deep societal penetration and high degree of public trust.[25]

Furthermore, Türkiye has successfully leveraged mobile infrastructure to expand the accessibility of its digital services. The e-Devlet mobile application, which supports over 4,300 services, has contributed to the platform’s ubiquity, particularly in regions where fixed broadband coverage is limited. This mobile-centric model aligns closely with the “mobile-first” digital public service strategies advocated in EU digital transformation guidelines and further enhances Türkiye’s capacity to serve under-connected or rural populations.[26]

Finally, Türkiye’s legislative commitment to data protection and digital security—notably through the enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 6698)—provides a robust legal foundation for citizen trust and institutional accountability. Compliance with international standards such as GDPR principles (albeit outside formal EU jurisdiction) reflects Türkiye’s alignment with European norms, enhancing the credibility of its digital ecosystem in cross-border cooperation contexts.[27]

3.2. Weaknesses: Regulatory Fragmentation, International Interoperability Gaps, and Uneven Digital Literacy

Despite Türkiye’s rapid advancements in e-government services, several structural and strategic weaknesses continue to limit the full potential of its digital transformation. A primary concern is the lack of international interoperability, particularly with EU Member States. Türkiye’s digital infrastructure, while internally coherent, is not yet fully aligned with the European Interoperability Framework (EIF) or the eIDAS Regulation that governs mutual recognition of electronic identification and trust services within the EU. This restricts Türkiye’s ability to engage in seamless cross-border digital transactions, which is a critical dimension of the EU’s vision for an integrated digital single market.[28]

Another area of concern is the limited integration of local government services, which creates discrepancies in service quality and accessibility across different regions. While central ministries are well-represented on the e-Devlet platform, many municipalities and regional authorities still operate on fragmented or outdated digital systems. This issue parallels the central-local asymmetry observed in several EU Member States—such as Italy and Spain—but is particularly pronounced in Türkiye due to uneven capacity, limited digital personnel, and funding gaps at the subnational level.[29]

Moreover, Türkiye continues to face challenges related to digital literacy and user inclusiveness. Although internet penetration is high, there remains a significant gap in effective usage among older adults, rural populations, and individuals with limited education. Unlike many EU countries that have institutionalised digital skills training through national programs aligned with the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp), Türkiye lacks a unified and sustainable policy to ensure broad-based digital empowerment. This could pose long-term risks for citizen engagement and equitable access to public services.

Lastly, Türkiye’s regulatory environment, while partially harmonised with European standards, remains somewhat fragmented and reactive. Data protection, cybersecurity, and public procurement policies are still evolving and often lag technological developments. In contrast, EU Member States benefit from the institutional support of supranational bodies like ENISA (the EU Agency for Cybersecurity) and regular Commission-led audits that drive compliance and accountability. Türkiye’s digital governance ecosystem, though centralised, would benefit from enhanced horizontal coordination and formal mechanisms for multi-stakeholder feedback.[30]

3.3. Opportunities: Strategic Alignment with EU Initiatives and Regional Leadership Potential

Türkiye stands to benefit significantly from aligning more closely with ongoing EU digital policy frameworks, both at the technical and strategic levels. The European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet, currently under development and expected to be rolled out between 2024 and2025, provides a key opportunity for Türkiye to establish partial interoperability with EU eID systems through bilateral or multilateral pilot programs. Such participation would not only enhance cross-border service delivery but also open the door for Turkish citizens and businesses to access administrative services in EU countries under a mutually recognized framework. Türkiye’s technical readiness in areas such as mobile authentication and biometric verification makes this an achievable goal with strong mutual benefits.[31]

Additionally, Türkiye could leverage its success in mobile-first digital public service provision to offer regional best practices for neighbouring countries in the Balkans, Caucasus, and the Middle East. With robust platforms such as e-Nabız (national health data portal) and MHRS (centralised physician appointment system), Türkiye is well-positioned to contribute to EU-funded regional cooperation programs such as the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and Digital Europe cross-border pilots. These platforms, particularly in the health and education sectors, could be adapted or exported to countries facing similar administrative constraints, thereby positioning Türkiye as a digital governance exporter within the extended European neighbourhood.

Furthermore, Türkiye’s growing participation in international digital governance forums—such as the OECD Digital Government Policy Network and the UN E-Government Survey platform—offers an avenue to harmonize its digital strategies with global norms. These engagements can serve as a foundation for formalized EU-Türkiye partnerships on areas such as open government data, AI ethics in public services, and cybersecurity resilience. Türkiye’s recent data localisation and cloud policy reforms could be synchronised with EU Data Governance Act principles, encouraging convergence while respecting national sovereignty.

Finally, the global momentum toward green digital transformation, embedded in the EU’s Green Deal and Twin Transition Strategy, provides fertile ground for collaborative innovation. Türkiye could actively align its e-government modernisation efforts with sustainable IT infrastructure development, thus qualifying for future EU climate-digital funding instruments. Projects that link environmental data monitoring, smart urban governance, and digital carbon footprints would be particularly well-suited for EU-Türkiye joint innovation agendas.

3.4. Threats: Geopolitical Fragmentation, Regulatory Divergence, and Cybersecurity Risks

While Türkiye’s e-government model demonstrates strong internal coherence, its future trajectory is exposed to several external risks that may impede progress or restrict integration with broader European digital governance frameworks. One of the most significant threats stems from geopolitical volatility and institutional misalignment between Türkiye and the EU. Periodic tensions in EU-Türkiye relations—particularly around issues such as customs union modernisation, migration policy, and judicial reforms—may spill over into the digital domain, slowing down potential avenues for interoperability and strategic cooperation. In contrast to EU Member States, which benefit from coordinated funding, legal alignment, and technical support from Brussels, Türkiye operates in a more autonomous and occasionally adversarial policy environment.

Another critical threat lies in the risk of regulatory divergence, particularly as the EU moves forward with a new generation of digital legislation, including the Data Act, the Artificial Intelligence Act, and the Cyber Resilience Act. Türkiye’s current legislative frameworks, while inspired by EU models such as the GDPR, lack formal mechanisms for synchronous policy updating or co-regulatory development. This disconnect may result in non-compatibility between Turkish and EU systems in emerging domains such as AI-based decision-making in public administration, cloud certification standards, or digital service taxation, ultimately narrowing Türkiye’s margin for digital integration with the European Single Market.[32]

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent an additional layer of systemic risk. As Türkiye expands its digital public infrastructure, it also becomes a more attractive target for cyberattacks, particularly those originating from non-state actors or hostile states. The eGovernment Benchmark 2023 highlights uneven adoption of cyber hygiene measures, and Türkiye has not yet fully aligned its cybersecurity architecture with the EU Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) standards. Moreover, in the absence of supranational cooperation mechanisms like ENISA, Türkiye must develop independent capabilities for threat intelligence sharing, incident response, and critical infrastructure protection, placing pressure on national budgets and human resources.[33]

Finally, the threat of public trust erosion—driven by concerns over surveillance, data breaches, or political misuse of digital systems—remains a latent but potent challenge. Academic literature warns that overly centralised digital governance models, if not counterbalanced by transparency and citizen oversight mechanisms, may alienate users and reduce uptake. As Türkiye continues to expand its e-devlet platform, the absence of institutionalised multi-stakeholder governance, independent audits, and public consultation processes could amplify perceptions of opacity and weaken civic engagement over time.

4. Cooperation Opportunities for EU–Türkiye Strategic Alignment in E-Government

As digital governance becomes a critical pillar of state capacity and regional integration, both the EU and Türkiye face shared imperatives to modernise public services, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure cross-border interoperability. While structural and regulatory differences persist, the convergence of strategic goals—such as inclusivity, efficiency, and transparency in service delivery—opens concrete cooperation avenues. Given Türkiye’s advanced e-government infrastructure and the EU’s rich institutional frameworks, a new phase of digital collaboration can serve as both a confidence-building measure and a practical step toward broader political alignment. The following cooperation opportunities, anchored in existing EU mechanisms and Türkiye’s evolving digital agenda, propose feasible, phased pathways for engagement.

4.1. Institutionalise a Türkiye–EU Digital Governance Dialogue

Establishing a formal and recurring dialogue mechanism between Türkiye’s Presidency’s Digital Transformation Office and the European Commission’s DG CONNECT would create a structured platform for policy alignment, knowledge transfer, and regulatory convergence. This dialogue could emulate other successful bilateral cooperation formats, such as the EU–Western Balkans Digital Agenda or the EU–Ukraine digital cooperation track, both of which have facilitated incremental harmonisation without requiring immediate political integration. A dedicated Türkiye–EU Digital Cooperation Task Force could operate under this framework, with working groups focused on open government data, service design, AI in the public sector, and data ethics.^[34]

Beyond establishing an ongoing policy dialogue, this cooperation track could serve as a channel for mutual benchmarking and regulatory learning. Türkiye, for instance, could provide input into EU debates on mobile-first service strategies and adaptive digital platforms, while simultaneously aligning with EU efforts to develop public service algorithms that uphold fairness and accountability. The dialogue mechanism could also incorporate rotating thematic focus areas, such as digital green transition, algorithmic transparency, or open-source digital infrastructures, fostering deep technical exchange and peer learning across institutions.

4.2. Joint Pilots on eID Interoperability and Data Portability

A promising area of practical collaboration lies in the development of pilot projects for mutual recognition of electronic identities (eIDs) and cross-border data portability solutions. These pilots could be co-financed by the Digital Europe Programme and Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative, targeting high-impact use cases such as student credential verification, cross-border tax filings, or SME business registration. Leveraging Türkiye’s strong mobile authentication infrastructure and the EU’s evolving European Digital Identity Wallet, this partnership could demonstrate tangible progress toward interoperability, even in the absence of full regulatory alignment.^[35]

To further increase the impact of pilot projects, both sides could establish a joint digital sandbox environment where Turkish and EU developers test interoperability scenarios under controlled conditions. Such a sandbox, co-managed by Türkiye’s BTK and the EU’s eIDAS technical committee, could simulate high-frequency use cases—such as access to student health services or recognition of digital diplomas—and facilitate stress-testing of cross-border authentication protocols. This would also provide valuable input for regulatory convergence and the long-term development of a shared EU–Türkiye trust framework.

4.3. Cybersecurity Capacity Building and Joint Incident Response

In light of escalating cyber threats, Türkiye and the EU share a vested interest in enhancing cybersecurity collaboration. A bilateral cybersecurity platform, co-hosted by ENISA and Türkiye’s National Cyber Incidents Response Centre (USOM), could facilitate joint training programs, simulated incident exercises, and intelligence-sharing protocols^[36]. Türkiye could contribute expertise in mobile cyber defence and operational resilience, while benefiting from EU experience in regulatory compliance, such as the NIS2 Directive. This cooperation would be particularly relevant for critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, health, and transport^[37].

This collaboration could be institutionalised via a Türkiye–EU Cybersecurity Fellowship, where civil servants and technical experts from both sides’ co-train in threat modelling, digital forensics, and crisis communication. Building on existing ENISA toolkits and Türkiye’s national cybersecurity strategy, the program could also address sector-specific vulnerabilities—such as in energy, finance, or digital health—thus tailoring capacity-building efforts to high-impact domains. Such joint investments would not only reduce risk exposure but also create institutional memory and trust between operational actors in both jurisdictions.

4.4. Regional Digital Innovation Hubs and Knowledge Sharing

Türkiye and the EU could also explore co-creation of regional digital innovation hubs, modelled after the EU’s European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) initiative. These centres could act as testing grounds for AI-based public services, smart city governance models, and climate-resilient IT infrastructure. Türkiye’s metropolitan municipalities, such as Istanbul and Ankara, offer fertile ground for piloting such models, potentially in partnership with peer cities in the EU. In addition, exchange programs involving digital civil servants, ICT policymakers, and regulatory experts could foster a shared culture of digital innovation and ethical standards^[38].

To further enrich the EDIH cooperation, Türkiye and the EU could develop a joint Regional Digital Leadership Academy (RDLA), headquartered in Istanbul, which would offer executive-level training, certification programs, and innovation labs for digital public sector professionals from Türkiye, EU Member States, and the Western Balkans. This initiative could be co-financed through IPA III and Digital Europe and designed in cooperation with academic institutions and think tanks. As Türkiye increasingly becomes a hub for regional digital innovation, the RDLA would institutionalise a long-term platform for normative and technical convergence in the extended European digital space.

   Conclusion: Türkiye as a Model and Strategic Partner in Europe’s Digital Future

Türkiye’s expansive and citizen-oriented approach to digital governance positions it as a compelling case study for countries seeking to accelerate the modernisation of public services. Through a centralised institutional framework, extensive service integration, and mobile-first accessibility, Türkiye has developed one of the most mature e-government ecosystems in its region. This transformation not only enhances administrative efficiency and transparency at home but also holds regional implications—particularly for countries in the Western Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East that look to Türkiye as a potential model for scalable, interoperable, and inclusive digital public infrastructure.

In the context of Europe’s broader push for digital sovereignty and cross-border interoperability, Türkiye’s technical capabilities and governance experience represent a valuable resource. Its alignment with European standards in areas such as data protection, mobile authentication, and cloud infrastructure creates a foundation for deeper policy harmonisation. Moreover, Türkiye’s involvement in international digital governance platforms and its expanding role in regional technology cooperation suggest that it is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the EU’s Digital Decade goals.

As geopolitical and technological shifts redefine strategic dependencies, fostering a structured partnership between the EU and Türkiye in digital governance is not merely a technical imperative but a strategic opportunity. Joint initiatives on digital identity, cybersecurity, and interoperability would support resilience across borders while also strengthening diplomatic channels grounded in shared policy challenges and mutual capacity-building. In this light, Türkiye emerges not only as a digital leader but also as a prospective strategic partner in building a digitally integrated, secure, and inclusive European neighbourhood.