Türkiye urges EU to include Ankara in new industrial policies

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat urged the European Union on Wednesday to incorporate Ankara into its emerging trade, competition and industrial policy framework, arguing that an inclusive approach would strengthen the bloc's competitiveness and Europe's economic security during talks with Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo in Madrid.

EU Policy Integration

Bolat and Cuerpo examined the EU's recently implemented trade and competition measures, particularly the Industrial Acceleration Act, during their meeting in the Spanish capital. "We discussed the EU's recently implemented trade, competition and industrial policies, particularly the Industrial Acceleration Act," Bolat said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal. The Turkish minister emphasized that designing these policies to include Türkiye would yield significant benefits for the broader European economy. "We emphasized that shaping these policies through an inclusive approach that also covers Türkiye would make significant contributions both to the EU's competitiveness and to Europe's economic security," he added.

Customs Union Priorities

The ministers addressed Ankara's expectations for updating the Türkiye-EU Customs Union, which Bolat identified as the foundation of Türkiye's economic integration with member states. Public procurement emerged as another priority area capable of advancing cooperation between Ankara and Brussels. Bolat described Spain as one of Türkiye's most important trading partners within the EU, calling the two countries strategic partners, friends, and allies.

Bilateral Trade Targets

Spain stands as Türkiye's fourth-largest trading partner within the bloc, with annual bilateral trade currently valued at approximately $20.5 billion. Bolat and Cuerpo agreed to convene the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Spain Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Madrid this autumn, anticipating strong participation from business communities in both nations. "Our goal is to increase our bilateral trade volume with Spain from $20.5 billion to $25 billion annually in the medium term," Bolat said.

Regional Solidarity

Bolat congratulated Spain on winning the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and expressed condolences over recent wildfires that have affected the country. Ankara has deployed two firefighting aircraft to assist Spanish authorities in containing the blazes, reaffirming what the minister described as a longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.