Türkiye Publishes National Green Finance Strategy for 2026-2029 Period in Official Gazette

With the latest Presidential Communiqué published in the Official Gazette, an important step has been taken in Türkiye's journey towards a sustainable economy and green transformation. The National Green Finance Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2029), prepared in line with the vision of Türkiye reaching the net zero emission target in 2053, has entered into force. This strategy presents a comprehensive framework aiming to ensure the country fulfills its international obligations and achieves a structure compatible with the global Green Deal. The said communiqué ensures that the studies carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and in cooperation with all relevant public institutions and organizations, gain official status. The steps to be taken in green finance will increase the financial system's resilience against environmental risks, while simultaneously enabling the effective mobilization of resources needed to combat climate change.

This new strategy adopts a holistic approach to direct financial markets towards green investments and support environmentally friendly projects. The action plan that has entered into force foresees increasing the market share of green bonds and similar sustainable financing instruments, integrating corporate governance principles with environmental sustainability, and enhancing financial literacy in these areas. Strengthening green financing mechanisms will accelerate capital flows to priority areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy projects, and the circular economy. Government officials state that this strategy will contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to ensuring financial stability and supporting economic growth. The strategy, expected to increase international investors' interest in Türkiye, plays a critical role in accelerating the compliance process with the regulations brought by the European Green Deal.

Within the scope of the implementation process, relevant public institutions and organizations have been tasked with realizing the actions determined by the strategy, developing policies, and providing the necessary coordination. Work will be initiated to review and update existing legal legislation if necessary in line with these new targets, which will involve adapting the legal infrastructure for green transformation. The National Green Finance Strategy will be implemented in close dialogue and cooperation with the public, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, thus encouraging the participation of all stakeholders in the process. Additionally, through structures such as the Green Finance Coordination Board, it is planned to establish a transparent management mechanism for tracking policy development processes and conducting necessary research. This coordination is of vital importance for increasing the country's green financing capacity and fully meeting international standards.

Diversifying financing tools is of great importance for Türkiye to be able to carry its economic development forward while combating climate change. The National Green Finance Strategy and Action Plan aims to enrich the financial ecosystem by encouraging the development of green and sustainable bonds as well as credit guarantees and green banking products. In this context, it is aimed to direct the assets of the financial sector to environmentally sustainable projects, reduce the carbon footprint, and create the necessary infrastructure for the protection of natural resources. While it is planned to create a transparent and reliable green trading system for investors, the creation of standard data sets for companies to manage their environmental risks is also on the agenda. The economic management emphasizes that executing this strategy in an integrated manner with the country's medium and long-term economic plans will increase global competitive power.

In conclusion, the National Green Finance Strategy is a document that facilitates access to financing and presents a strategic roadmap for Türkiye to reach its sustainable development goals. The action plan covering the 2026-2029 period aims not only to restructure public sector investments but also private sector investments within the framework of green transformation. This strategy, which will enable green technologies and innovation to enter among the priority areas for financing by turning the risks brought by climate change into opportunities, constitutes a critical turning point for the future. With the implementation of the determined policies and actions, it is predicted that Türkiye's contribution to global zero emission targets will increase and the transition process to a green economy will accelerate. The published communiqué is considered the most concrete step taken to strengthen the legal and administrative ground of these processes and consolidate Türkiye's position in the international arena.