Türkiye is one of the countries that is the most affected by climate change. The temperature in Türkiye is getting warmer, precipitation patterns are changing, and extreme weather events

are increasing both in quantity and severity. Türkiye has been the part of the global climate change regime for decades and has developed various policy documents, strategies and action

plans. These documents reflect both Türkiye’s commitment to address the global climate change and demonstrate clear steps to achieve emission reduction targets.

Türkiye-EU relations are one of the driving forces behind Turkish climate change policy as the

Union affects climate change policy making in third countries through a range of mechanisms.

EU ETS, the accompanying CBAM, policy transfer facilitated by Green Deal-related policies in nonmember countries, EU’s international influence and FTAs can be listed as the ways the EU affects climate change policymaking internationally.

Since Türkiye is both an accession country and has a Customs Union with the EU, it is one of the non-EU countries most affected by EU climate policies. It is widely recognised that Türkiye’s climate action has become increasingly ambitious over the years; however, there remains a need for more ambitious policies. The outcomes of these strategies and action plans must be measurable and effectively monitored to ensure progress. Türkiye also needs to leverage its renewable energy potential, which would help reduce emissions in the energy sector, the largest contributor to emissions. This approach would not only address environmental concerns but also enhance the country’s competitiveness.

You can access the Brief note here.

Name of the Brief: Türkiye in the International Climate Change Regime

Publication date: July 2025

Number of pages: 32

Author: Aygen Torun, IKV Junior Researcher