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Foreign ministers

Turkey Affirms Commitment to EU Accession Process

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated his country's commitment to joining the European Union, emphasizing the importance of stability and prosperity in the region. Fidan's meeting with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Istanbul focused on advancing a joint agenda on key connectivity issues, including trade, energy, transport, and digitalization. The two sides also welcomed the adoption of a decision facilitating multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens, aimed at enhancing predictability and increasing mobility. Their discussions highlighted the need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, with Fidan stressing the importance of treating all candidate countries fairly and basing the process on merit and objective criteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed his country's commitment to the European Union accession process, emphasizing the importance of stability and prosperity in the region.
  • Fidan and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos agreed to advance a joint agenda on key connectivity issues, including trade, energy, transport, and digitalization.
  • The two sides welcomed the adoption of a decision facilitating multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens, aimed at enhancing predictability and increasing mobility.
  • They emphasized the need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, with Fidan stressing the importance of treating all candidate countries fairly and basing the process on merit and objective criteria.
  • Fidan briefed Kos on the expanded informal meetings on Cyprus held in Geneva and New York, which the European Commissioner welcomed.
  • Kos noted that dialogue on the rule of law and democratic standards is an integral part of Turkey-EU relations.
  • Fidan and Kos expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation with the European Investment Bank to support sustainable, innovation-focused projects in Turkey and neighboring regions.

Statistics:

  • Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999.
  • The EU's Customs Union with Turkey was established in 1997.
  • The EU Black Sea Strategy aims to improve regional cooperation and strengthen economic ties between Europe and Central Asia.
  • The Commission's decision on multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens aims to enhance predictability and increase mobility for Turkish citizens.
  • The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the EU accession process is a priority for the Turkish government.

Sources:

  • National Iraqi News Agency (July 29, 2025)
  • Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Joint Statement, July 2025)
  • European Union External Action (July 2025, Record of the Meeting between H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and H.E. Marta Kos)

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