MADE IN EUROPE”: THE NEW THRESHOLD OF CONTROLLED GLOBALIZATION AND TÜRKİYE’S STRATEGIC POSITION

The global economy is undergoing a quiet yet profound transformation. Globalization is not coming to an end; rather, it is evolving into a more selective, cautious, and strategic form. The old model, based on the unrestricted flow of free trade, is being replaced by a new order defined by controlled transitions and calculated dependencies. The name of this new era is now clear: controlled globalization.

One of the most striking aspects of this transformation is the coexistence of competition and cooperation. Global actors, while waging a fierce battle in strategic areas, cannot completely sever their economic ties. This situation points to a search for a new balance beyond the traditional concept of bloc formation. Complete separation is not possible; yet unlimited integration is no longer realistic either. On the eve of such a comprehensive transformation in the global economy, the European Union’s “Made in Europe” initiative is not merely an industrial policy; it is a clear declaration of a paradigm shift. The deindustrialization process, which gained momentum starting in the late 1990s, had led Europe to shift production to Asia—particularly China—in pursuit of cost advantages. While this choice boosted competitiveness in the short term, the pandemic, the energy crisis, and geopolitical tensions have brought Europe’s strategic vulnerabilities to the surface.

FROM DEINDUSTRIALIZATION TO STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

The “Made in Europe” strategy demonstrates Europe’s determination to bring manufacturing back to the continent while also placing the goal of strategic autonomy at its core. This new approach does not mean that free-market rules will be completely replaced by state intervention; however, it clearly demonstrates that the state’s guiding role is regaining strength.

The use of public procurement power exceeding 2 trillion euros as a strategic tool is the most concrete indicator of this transformation. Prioritizing European-made products in public tenders, making carbon-neutral production criteria mandatory, and increasing localization rates in critical sectors demonstrate that Europe is now structuring competition not just through price, but through the system.

Another noteworthy point here is this: While the European Union has long maintained a distance from policies in countries like Türkiye that prioritize domestic production in public tenders, it has now begun to implement a similar approach within its own borders. This situation signals a significant shift in mindset from Türkiye’s perspective and creates a foundation that legitimizes Ankara’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in industry.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TÜRKİYE AS A “STRATEGIC PARTNER”

The reference to Türkiye as a “strategic partner” in “Made in Europe” texts goes beyond a symbolic expression; it offers a strong clue regarding Europe’s geo-economic preferences in this new era. From Europe’s perspective, Türkiye—with its high-quality production infrastructure, reliable supply capacity, geographical proximity, and the Customs Union—is the strongest link in the “nearshoring” strategy and an indispensable partner due to its industrial diversity and intermediate goods production capacity.

FROM MUTUAL DEPENDENCE TO STRATEGIC SYNERGY

The most critical aspect of Türkiye-EU relations in the new era is transforming mutual interdependence into strategic synergy. Türkiye serves as a key supply hub for the raw materials, intermediate goods, and semi-finished products that Europe requires. Similarly, Türkiye is deeply integrated with Europe in terms of high technology, financing, and advanced production standards.

For Türkiye, this new era is not merely an adaptation process; it is also a historic opportunity. By integrating into the “Made in Europe” ecosystem, Turkish industry will not only preserve its existing market but also gain the opportunity to climb to higher rungs in the value chain.

However, the prerequisite for this opportunity is clear: green transformation and digitalization. Low-carbon production, energy efficiency, and digital infrastructure are no longer competitive advantages but entry requirements for the market.

At this point, SMEs play a critical role. Strengthening SMEs— which form the backbone of Türkiye’s manufacturing power—in terms of access to financing, digital transformation, and sustainable production capacity will directly impact the entire system. It is impossible to build a strong supply chain without resilient SMEs.

RISKS: A NEW WAVE OF PROTECTIONISM

On the other hand, the “Made in Europe” approach also poses significant risks for Türkiye. Giving priority to European-origin products in public tenders could increase the likelihood of Turkish firms being excluded from certain sectors. This risk is particularly pronounced in the automotive, battery, construction materials, and machinery sectors.

Additionally, Europe’s adoption of a more selective and restrictive approach toward foreign investments could indirectly affect Türkiye’s ability to attract investment. For this reason, Türkiye must focus not only on its production capacity but also on its business diplomacy capabilities, regulatory compliance, and strategic negotiation skills. The updating of the Customs Union, the mutual opening of public procurement markets, alignment on green and digital standards, and the development of joint investment mechanisms in critical sectors will form the core pillars of this new era.

For Türkiye, the issue is not to remain on the sidelines of this process; rather, it is to become one of the founding partners in Europe’s reindustrialization narrative.

In this new phase of controlled globalization, Türkiye’s position has moved beyond that of a mere “bridge.” With the right strategies and reforms, Türkiye can become one of the key actors shaping the production, supply, and technology architecture of this new order.