STRENGTHENING OUR STRATEGIC VISION FOR EUROPE AMID SHIFTING GLOBAL TRADE BALANCES

When we reassess recent global developments within the framework of Türkiye’s deep-rooted historical economic ties with the EU, taking our current level of economic integration between Türkiye and Europe to a much higher level stands out as the optimal option for both sides, based on the win-win principle. With this awareness, DEİK is managing our relations with Europe in a much more proactive manner this year. In January, we published letters in the Financial Times addressed to the Chairman of the European Commission, the Chairman of the European Council and the Chairman of the European Parliament, which also bore the signatures of the chairs of the EU Business Councils. In May, we also published letters addressed to the political leaders of the EU6—Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Poland, and the Netherlands—as well as Belgium, one of the EU’s founding members, in the leading newspapers of each country. A paradigm shift is needed between Türkiye and the EU, and full membership in the European Union would be in the interest of both sides at this point. Beyond this, we are continuing our efforts without pause to secure contributions to the process from other business organizations, the academic community, the media, and society as a whole. Building on this, as DEİK, for the past 41 years, we have been carrying out our activities under the motto “Business Diplomacy”—without using public funds—to increase cross-border investment and trade through our 153 Business Councils spread across the globe. As the window through which the Turkish private sector opens to the outside world, we continue our work on a voluntary basis alongside our Business Councils, Counterparts, Founding Organizations, Corporate Members, and colleagues. In this issue of Business Diplomacy, while evaluating the new Europe- centric production and trade approach under the “Made in Europe” framework, we thoroughly examine the impacts of friendshoring policies, CBAM implementations and sanction mechanisms on global trade. Prepared with contributions from leading experts in their fields, I believe this issue will offer the business community a valuable perspective for understanding the rapidly changing global economy and developing new perspectives for the future.

I would like to thank all the authors and contributors who helped prepare this issue and wish you an enjoyable read.