Istanbul: The Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) has taken a significant step in bolstering Trkiye's aspirations within the European framework by sending an open letter to the leaders of the European Union. This letter advocates for the advancement of Trkiye's EU membership bid and calls for the modernization of the Customs Union, emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation between Trkiye and the EU.
According to Anadolu Agency, the letter was meticulously prepared by DEIK through the collaboration of the Trkiye-Europe Business Councils. It garnered the support of business council presidents from 26 EU member states and was addressed to key EU leaders. The Financial Times also published this open call for action. A press meeting titled "Trkiye-EU: From Dialogue to Action - An Open Letter to EU Leaders" was convened in Istanbul to highlight the importance of this initiative.
At the meeting, DEIK President Nail Olpak underscored the commitment of the entire DEIK community to this cause, acknowledging the delays in Trkiye's EU membership and the need to update the Customs Union. Despite the challenges, Olpak emphasized the enduring close relations between Trkiye and the EU, pointing out that the current agenda extends beyond the Customs Union to include a broader integration into the European ecosystem amidst global unpredictability.
Olpak called for the modernization of the Trkiye-EU Customs Union and addressed issues such as visa restrictions and the EU's new Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism. He also noted the potential impacts of the EU's free trade agreements with countries like those in the South American Mercosur bloc and India on Trkiye. He mentioned that many European countries share their views and expressed a commitment to continue engaging with European officials.
Mehmet Ali Yalcindag, the coordinating chairperson of the DEIK Trkiye-Europe Business Councils, further emphasized the multifaceted relationship between Ankara and Brussels, which encompasses economic integration and mutual interdependence. Highlighting Trkiye's crucial role as the EU's fifth-largest trading partner, Yalcindag stressed the importance of Trkiye's contributions to Europe's green transformation, digitalization, and strategic resilience.
Yalcindag elaborated on Trkiye's vital role in European value chains, particularly in sectors like automotive, machinery, textiles, and electronics. He also pointed out the significance of partnerships with Trkiye in advancing the defense industry and securing energy corridors across Europe. He expressed the expectation for a strategic and visionary approach from the EU, stressing the necessity of the bilateral relationship despite unresolved issues.
Yalcindag expressed a desire for tangible outcomes this year, particularly at the upcoming meeting in Brussels on October 13. He warned that if there is no positive response to this letter, DEIK plans to send subsequent letters in the coming months.
The open letter was addressed to key EU figures, including European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, President of the EU Council Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It called for a reconsideration of the current methodology that hinders Trkiye's accession process, advocating for a clear and unambiguous pathway towards EU membership, which would restore strategic clarity and mutual confidence. The letter highlighted the potential of Turkish society's dynamism combined with the EU's influence to navigate existing challenges and foster a strong, integrated, and globally influential EU.