Turkey’s Trade Minister, Omer Bolat, has urged the European Union to include Turkey in its “Made in Europe” initiative, warning that the exclusion could harm both European and Turkish interests. Bolat made his remarks during a meeting with EU policymakers in Brussels, emphasizing the necessity of Turkey being recognized as an equal partner in the plan.
The EU’s March proposal aims to prioritize local industries, including automakers, by mandating that businesses in strategic sectors like automotive and clean energy must source materials within Europe to access public funding. Bolat stressed that this approach should not adversely impact Turkey or the broader European economy, stating, “Turkey must be accepted from the very beginning as an equal partner within the framework of the ‘Made with Europe’ concept.”
As discussions continue among EU member states about which products should be covered by the initiative, some nations advocate for broader inclusion, while others, like France, emphasize that public funds should support EU industries exclusively. This has led to tensions, particularly with Germany and various other member countries.
Turkey and the EU have maintained a customs union since 1995, a relationship that Bolat highlighted as crucial. He noted that the annual trade in goods between Turkey and the EU is valued at approximately 205 billion euros ($230 million), with 55 billion euros stemming from auto trade alone.
Bolat pointed out that European automotive companies have a significant presence in Turkey, accounting for nearly 75 percent of the country’s auto production. These firms have operated in Turkey since 1971, and they contribute to employment in Europe, supporting around 250,000 jobs across the continent.
The minister warned that the proposed “Made in Europe” framework could jeopardize the long-standing customs union and the well-integrated supply chains that have developed over the years. He also noted that Turkey has recently updated its public procurement laws, allowing both European and Turkish suppliers to compete for public contracts on equal footing.
