European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans paid an official visit to Ankara on 20-21 April 2022. Timmermans, who visited Ankara for the 2^nd meeting of the Turkey-EU High Level Dialogue on Climate, met with Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum and Trade Minister Mehmet Muş. Timmermans, leading the Commission's work on the European Green Deal and its first-ever European Climate Law, drew attention to close cooperation between Turkey and the EU in the green transition process. Timmermans prioritized limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees in line with the Paris Climate Agreement targets and emphasized the importance of Turkey's commitment to updating its 2053 zero-emission target and national contribution statement ahead of COP 27.

Timmermans also came together with representatives of the business community and civil society organisations. At the working dinner attended by IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Timmermans stated that it is critical to cooperate on the basis of mutual benefit in relations between the EU and Turkey. Timmermans emphasized that the European Green Deal aims to make Europe the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. He stressed the importance of the EU and Turkey working closely to achieve this goal and stated that Turkey and the EU could work together on issues such as the transition to a circular economy, renewable energy, increasing the share of solar and wind energy, and the production of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen. IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu conveyed to Timmermans the support given by the business community to Turkey's EU membership goal, modernisation of the Customs Union, visa liberalisation and the Green Deal. Emphasizing the importance of reviving the relations within the scope of the positive agenda initiated between Turkey and the EU, Zeytinoğlu stated that initiating the Customs Union modernisation process would contribute to the development and deepening of trade and economic relations between the two parties. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu reminded that Turkey is a very close partner of the EU on security, energy, and migration issues. Zeytinoğlu also stated that Turkey, hosting 3 million 700 thousand Syrian refugees, has taken a significant burden from Europe. He said that Germany spends approximately 30,000 euros for each refugee, and with this calculation, the importance and cost of the humanitarian mission of Turkey might be better understood. Chairman Zeytinoğlu also touched upon the Green Deal. He stated that the European Green Deal had created pressure for transformation, but it also contained opportunities. Zeytinoğlu noted that the Green Deal, which requires a radical transformation in almost every sector, forced Turkey and the EU to cooperate closely. He also emphasized the importance of the EU's investments in Turkey. He stated that investments to be made in areas like green economy, hydrogen, solar energy, and electric vehicles would contribute to the development of Turkey-EU trade and economic relations for the benefit of both sides.

At the press conference held jointly with Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, Timmermans stated, “The fact that I am here on behalf of the EU is of symbolic importance for continuing this process. We have to create a better world and a better environment for our children and grandchildren. To achieve that we must start working as of today. I think our dialogue with Turkey is a strategic opportunity for both the EU and Turkey. Because the current political environment is very complex, countries against barbarism must stand together. Countries that reject this fatal invasion of the peaceful people of Ukraine must take a common stance.”