TÜRKIYE’S ROLE IN EUROPE’S NEW ECONOMIC ARCHITECTURE

The global economy is undergoing a new period of disruption. We are in an era where supply chains are being reshaped, geopolitical risks are rising, and economic security has become just as important as military security. The European Union’s recently accelerated “Made in Europe” approach is also a result of this transformation.

However, the real question is where Europe will place Türkiye as it builds this new industrial and trade architecture. The challenges Europe faces today— energy security, the green transition, digital competition, and defense capabilities—are not problems that can be solved in isolation. Europe’s goal of strategic autonomy is only achievable with strong and reliable partners. This is precisely where Türkiye comes into play. Türkiye is one of Europe’s largest trading partners. It is a NATO member and a European country aspiring to EU membership. For Europe, Türkiye is not merely a market; it is also a hub for production, logistics and supply. We are an integral part of European value chains across a wide range of sectors, from automotive and textiles to machinery and the defense industry. In short, Türkiye is an integral part of Europe’s economic, security and social fabric.

If designed correctly, the “Made in Europe” initiative could further deepen this integration. Indeed, recently announced regulations indicate that Customs Union partner countries may be considered under the “EU origin” framework under certain conditions. This represents a significant opportunity for Türkiye.

However, the same process also carries serious risks. We have previously expressed our views on this matter as DEİK/Türkiye-Europe Business Councils; just as we do on every issue concerning Europe’s future, we have shared our perspectives at the highest level, directly with European leaders, regarding the “Made in Europe” discussions. Indeed, we have clearly stated that framing this approach in a way that excludes Türkiye would be detrimental to both Europe and Türkiye; because excluding Türkiye carries the risk of weakening Europe’s global competitiveness against the U.S. and China, rather than enhancing it. For this reason, as the business community, our call to Europe was clear through letters published in international outlets such as the Financial Times.

The European Union’s simultaneous acceleration of trade agreements with India and Mercosur countries is intensifying competition even further. Since Türkiye does not have similar agreements with these countries, an asymmetrical situation emerges: while we assume the obligations of the agreements Europe has made, we cannot benefit from the same advantages. This situation carries the risk of weakening our competitive strength in critical sectors, particularly the automotive and textile industries.

More importantly, the new security architecture and industrial policies being discussed in Europe raise the possibility of Türkiye being left out of the system. Indeed, in the scenarios outlined for 2026, the “Made in Europe” approach and new security structures are cited as areas where Türkiye could be excluded.

It is impossible to ignore this reality.

Our approach is clear: Our relations with Europe are not a matter of choice but a mutual necessity. Because Türkiye is not merely an economic but also a geopolitical balancing factor. From energy corridors to migration management and from its role within NATO to its influence in regional crises, Türkiye is an actor that complements Europe’s strategic capacity.

Therefore, the issue is not to position Türkiye outside of Europe; it is to shape Europe’s future together with Türkiye. The steps to be taken at this point are clear. First, the Customs Union must be updated and expanded to include services and public procurement. Second, Türkiye must be fully integrated into Europe’s new industrial policies and supply chain strategies. Third, a more inclusive and realistic approach must be adopted in decision-making processes. The European Union must view differences not as a threat but as a shared asset, in line with its founding philosophy.

Today, “Made in Europe” is not merely a label but a debate over a vision. This vision will either be inclusive and strengthen Europe, or it will remain confined to a narrow framework and weaken Europe in global competition. Türkiye must be at the very center of this vision, not on the periphery. Because the reality is this: Europe’s future remains incomplete without Türkiye.