Šef DEİK-a traži od Turske da bude partner u zelenoj, digitalnoj promjeni EU-a

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has secured backing from the European automotive industry for Türkiye's full and unconditional inclusion in the European Union’s “Made in EU” initiative, following high-level discussions in Brussels. The talks took place after Bolat met with Sigrid de Vries, director general of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), and participated in a roundtable with representatives from major automotive firms. The European industry representatives expressed agreement with Türkiye’s push for deeper integration into the bloc’s manufacturing and trade policies. Bolat shared updates on the meeting via the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, emphasizing that the automotive sector’s long-standing presence in Türkiye, through substantial investments, demonstrates a robust industrial relationship built on the Türkiye-EU Customs Union and mutual trust. The minister noted that the European automakers present at the meeting recognized the importance of Türkiye being fully integrated into the “Made in EU” framework, which aims to bolster European manufacturing capabilities and self-sufficiency. The discussions came amid broader efforts by Türkiye to reinforce its position as a critical player in Europe’s industrial landscape. According to the Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association, Türkiye’s automotive sector led the nation’s exports in 2025, with overseas sales reaching a record $41.5 billion, a 11.6% increase compared to previous years. Of this total, $30.11 billion was directed toward EU markets, representing 72.5% of all automotive exports and highlighting the sector’s deep entwinement with the European economy. Türkiye’s domestic production of motor vehicles hit nearly 1.42 million units in 2025, including approximately 872,500 passenger cars. Passenger car exports alone reached nearly 599,700 units during the year, showcasing the country’s growing influence in international automotive markets. These figures underscore the significance of the automotive industry to Türkiye’s economic strategy and its role in sustaining trade ties with the EU. Bolat’s visit to Brussels, scheduled for July 16–17, includes high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing economic cooperation and safeguarding existing supply chains. During these talks, he is expected to engage with several key European officials, including Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; and Björn Seibert, head of cabinet to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The minister will also attend a roundtable with ACEA leadership and top executives from global automotive firms, focusing on Türkiye’s strategic role in the European value chain. In addition to these meetings, Bolat plans to interact with the permanent representatives of EU member states and leaders from BusinessEurope, the Confederation of European Business. These interactions aim to highlight Türkiye’s contributions to European industrial resilience and to advocate against measures that could disrupt established partnerships. Bolat has previously warned that unilateral actions by the EU might weaken the competitiveness of its own industrial base, particularly given the reliance on cross-border collaboration and supply networks. The push for Türkiye’s inclusion in the “Made in EU” initiative reflects broader tensions between the EU and Türkiye over trade policies, industrial strategies, and regional stability. While the European automotive industry appears supportive of closer integration, the EU’s recent emphasis on self-reliance and inward-looking policies complicates the path forward. Nevertheless, the alignment between Turkish and European stakeholders on the importance of maintaining industrial ties suggests that efforts to deepen cooperation remain ongoing. Bolat reiterated that Türkiye would continue working alongside the private sector to enhance the automotive industry, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s economic integration with Europe. His upcoming meetings are expected to provide clarity on how both sides can navigate evolving trade dynamics while preserving the mutually beneficial relationships that have defined their industrial collaboration for decades.