The Türkiye-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue is set to reconvene in Brussels on Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties and fostering strategic cooperation between the two sides after a six-year break.
First established at a Türkiye-EU summit in 2015, the dialogue serves as a key platform for fostering economic discussions between Ankara and Brussels. Three meetings were previously held in 2016, 2017, and 2019 before the initiative was put on hold.
The decision to revive the talks was made at the EU General Affairs Council meeting last December and later endorsed at an EU heads of state and government summit. The move reflects a renewed commitment to expanding economic collaboration and addressing shared challenges.
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek will deliver the opening address alongside EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
The meeting will bring together high-level officials, business leaders, and representatives from financial institutions to explore ways to enhance bilateral economic ties.
Türkiye remains among Washington’s top 10 car suppliers despite fluctuating figures and rising protectionist rhetoric. Experts say Ankara’s flexible production and strategic location could turn looming tariffs into a competitive edge.
Key issues on the agenda
The dialogue will focus on a broad range of topics critical to Türkiye-EU economic relations. The first session will feature ministerial-level discussions on macroeconomic conditions, competitiveness, and structural reforms, highlighting key areas of cooperation and policy alignment.
The second session will shift the focus to investment and trade opportunities, with leading Turkish and EU business executives joining representatives from major financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These discussions are expected to pave the way for stronger economic integration and expanded investment flows between the two sides.
Türkiye’s vision for deeper economic integration
Ahead of the meeting, Simsek underscored the significance of reviving the dialogue, recalling his role in co-chairing the first meeting in 2016.
"As someone who co-chaired the first meeting in 2016, I am delighted to see this platform reactivated," he said, emphasising Türkiye’s longstanding commitment to deepening its ties with the EU.
He pointed out that the EU remains Türkiye’s largest trade partner, with nearly 42 percent of the country’s exports going to the bloc, making Türkiye the EU’s fifth-largest trading partner.
Simsek also stressed the urgent need to modernise the Türkiye-EU Customs Union, which has been in place since 1995.
He called for its expansion to include public procurement, services, and agriculture, arguing that an updated agreement would unlock significant economic potential for both sides.
Event will focus on ‘shaping the future with technology’ and ‘artificial intelligence and industrial transformation’.
In addition to trade reforms, he highlighted the importance of easing visa requirements for Turkish businesspeople and students, which remains a key obstacle in Türkiye-EU relations.
He also expressed support for increased joint projects in third countries, particularly in sectors such as defense, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
"With our strengths across multiple industries, we are ready for deeper and more multidimensional cooperation with the EU," Simsek said, expressing optimism about the future of Türkiye-EU economic relations.
The resumption of the High-Level Economic Dialogue signals a renewed effort to build stronger trade and investment ties, despite political challenges that have strained Türkiye’s EU accession process in recent years.
The outcome of Thursday’s discussions is expected to shape the next phase of economic engagement between the two sides.
