Trade Minister Bolat's Brussels Visits Shape EU-Turkey Commercial Integration Through 'Made in EU' Agenda

The Ministry of Trade announced that Trade Minister Bolat's visit to Brussels on July 16-17 focused on discussions regarding the European Union (EU) Industrial Acceleration Law Draft, particularly the 'Made in EU' policy. Within this framework, it was emphasized that the 'Made in EU' approach should be handled within a strategic commercial integration framework with Turkey.

Strategic Trade Dialogues and 'Made in EU' Vision

■Minister Bolat met with the European Parliament's International Trade Committee Vice President Iuliu Winkler and Shadow Rapporteur Dirk Gotink, stressing that the 'Made in EU' policy must be designed to reflect EU-Turkey partnership law.

■Discussions with Commissioners Maros Sefcovic and Valdis Dombrovskis highlighted progress in e-commerce and steel measures, followed by commitments to strengthen secure supply chains.

■Meetings with Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos focused on enhancing connectivity, improving Customs Union efficiency, and deepening economic relations through new cooperation areas.

Comprehensive Automotive Sector Integration Steps

■Meetings with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and global automotive executives confirmed the importance of Turkey's full participation in the 'Made in EU' policy.

■Roundtable discussions with the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters Association (OIB) and Automotive Industry Association (OSD) emphasized Turkey as an 'indispensable part' of the European automotive ecosystem.

■Steps in public procurement and digital trade were noted as contributors to strengthening EU-Turkey relations.

Fatih Kılıç Note: The 'Made in EU' policy targets deep industrial integration, particularly in automotive. Turkey's unconditional participation could solidify its role within the EU's 30-year Customs Union partnership. However, its push for 'unconditional inclusion' amid draft restrictions raises questions about internal EU contradictions.