WE MAINTAIN OUR ENDEAVOURS WITH 37 BUSINESS COUNCILS

The transformative power of emerging trends, like the twin transformation, is poised to unleash Türkiye’s enhanced potential within the European Union

In 2023, it became increasingly evident that the advancement of Türkiye-EU relations holds equal significance for both European countries and the partnership between Türkiye and the EU. The disrupted supply chain post-pandemic and the energy crisis following the Russia-Ukraine war have underscored the renewed importance of collaboration between Türkiye and European countries.

Türkiye’s geographical proximity to the Southern Corridor and its strong relations with countries in the region have heightened its geopolitical significance. Nevertheless, this situation has also ushered in new opportunities in the energy sector, particularly in collaboration with the EU. Türkiye’s strides in green transformation present a crucial arena for the Türkiye-EU strategic partnership.

Aiming to achieve 53 percent renewable energy-based electricity generation by 2023, Türkiye is aligning itself closely with the steps taken by the EU in green transformation, including initiatives like the “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)”. Türkiye-EU annual trade volume reached 200 billion USD However, I am of the opinion that the Customs Union, which currently encompasses only industrial and processed agricultural products, must undergo swift updates to align with the requirements of contemporary trade.

In our meetings with EU countries, we consistently advocate for updating the Customs Union on behalf of the Turkish business community to better align with contemporary trade needs. At the Türkiye-Austria Business Council Round Table Meeting on October 10, 2023, during the visit of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the need for modernizing the Customs Union was highlighted. Supportive messages from the Austrian business community, including Chancellor Nehammer, were warmly received.

As DEİK/Türkiye-France Business Council collaborated with its counterpart organization, MEDEF International, to conduct activities focused on opportunities in the renewable energy sector. As DEİK/Türkiye-United Kingdom Business Council concentrated its efforts on matters related to digitalization and the revision of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As part of its sustainability-oriented initiatives, the as DEİK/ Türkiye-Finland Business Council arranged a seminar on artificial intelligence applications in the construction sector. Additionally, they conducted a “Seminar on Decarbonization in the Iron and Steel Sector”.

As DEİK/Türkiye-Germany Business Council focused on advancing state-level relations in Germany and fostering cooperation in the realm of digitalization. As DEİK/Türkiye-Poland Business Council arranged delegation visits in the energy sector in Poland, while as DEİK/Türkiye-Slovenia Business Council organized delegation visits in Ljubljana with a focus on fostering cooperation in the construction, automotive, and metal sectors.

As DEİK/Türkiye-Romania Business Council hosted the webinar titled “Commercial Impacts of Fiscal Consolidation Measures in Romania,” generating substantial interest among our investors. As DEİK/Türkiye-Bulgaria Business Council and Türkiye-Lithuania Business Council collaborated with women’s associations in their respective countries, establishing a platform for women entrepreneurs to exchange experiences and actively contribute to the advancement of cooperation.

Our DEİK/Türkiye-Europe Business Councils continue their business diplomacy activities with 37 Business Councils. Certainly, the forthcoming period will witness the palpable impact of transformative trends, including the twin transformation, bringing Türkiye’s potential within the EU into sharper focus than ever before.