Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat emphatically stated that updating the 1995 Turkiye‑EU Customs Union is no longer optional but essential to align with contemporary trade realities. Speaking on July 4, 2025, during the Turkiye‑EU High‑Level Trade Dialogue in Ankara, Bolat emphasized that “we cannot manage the trade of 2025 with rules established 30 years ago.”
Bolat highlighted Turkiye’s growing significance as a European production hub, crediting its skilled labor, dynamic manufacturing sector, and robust financial system for its seamless integration into global supply chains. He positioned Turkiye as a strategic partner vital to enhancing the security, resilience, and geographic diversification of Europe’s supply chains.
Despite these strengths, Bolat pointed out that the present Customs Union framework is outdated and fails to capture the current depth and breadth of Turkiye‑EU trade. He called for a comprehensive overhaul to include modern trade elements such as services, digital trade, sustainability, and next-gen trade policies—an evolution that he argued would significantly reinforce bilateral economic ties.
Also attending the dialogue was Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, who joined Bolat in discussions underscoring the need for enhanced trade cooperation. The EU remains Turkiye’s largest trading partner and notably the only non-EU nation with a Customs Union agreement with the bloc.
Bolat described the modernization effort as a “key opportunity” to propel Turkiye‑EU relations forward, advocating for a renewed Customs Union that better reflects digital transformation, service economy growth, and mutual commitment to sustainable development.
This initiative signals Turkiye’s firm intention to deepen economic integration with the EU and adapt to the shifting landscapes of global trade.
