EU and Turkiye Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Strategic Insights -

European Union officials and Turkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met in Istanbul on July 25 to reaffirm the importance of Turkiye's EU candidate status. The meeting aimed to advance a joint agenda in key areas of connectivity, including trade, energy, transportation, and digitalization. Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on the EU's Black Sea strategy and projects linking Europe to Central Asia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU and Turkiye reaffirmed the importance of Turkiye's EU candidate status and its constructive role in fostering stability and prosperity in the region.
  • The parties agreed to advance a joint agenda in key areas of connectivity, including trade, energy, transportation, and digitalization.
  • The EU's Black Sea strategy and projects linking Europe to Central Asia were highlighted as areas of cooperation.
  • The adoption of the Commission Decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Turkish citizens was welcomed, aimed at enhancing predictability and increasing mobility.
  • Minister Fidan and Commissioner Kos underlined the importance of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue and shared commitment to work towards better implementation of the Customs Union.
  • The European Investment Bank was recognized as a key actor in regional development, and cooperation with the EIB was strengthened to support innovation-led, sustainable projects.
  • The parties committed to intensifying joint efforts in Ukraine's reconstruction and private sector involvement to rebuild vital infrastructure and services.
  • The support to investments through the Turkiye Investment Platform was also welcomed, with a focus on channeling investment into strategic sectors and promoting regional inclusivity.
  • Minister Fidan emphasized the urgent need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, stressing that all candidate countries must be treated fairly and based on merit and objective criteria.
  • Turkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the EU accession process.

Statistics:

  • The adoption of the Commission Decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Turkish citizens is aimed at increasing mobility.
  • An estimated [not specified] Turkish citizens will benefit from the multiple-entry visa policy.
  • The European Investment Bank has invested [no specific amount mentioned] in regional development in Turkiye and neighboring regions.
  • The Turkiye Investment Platform supports investments in strategic sectors, aiming to channel investment into long-term sustainability and promote regional inclusivity.
  • The EU's Black Sea strategy aims to link Europe to Central Asia, with a focus on advancing trade, energy, transportation, and digitalization.

Sources:

  • European Union External Action Service
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan
  • Commissioner of the European Union, Marta Kos
  • European Investment Bank (EIB)
  • UN Secretary-General (mentioned in the context of informal meetings on Cyprus)