Minister Bolat meets EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on customs union and visas

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met with European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Ankara. The meeting focused on updating the Customs Union agreement, digital trade, and visa liberalization. Bolat recalled significant progress on the Cascade system for multiple-entry and long-term visas, but stressed that increasing trade, tourism, and educational ties between Turkey and the EU necessitate visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. At the very least, easing visa procedures remains a top priority.

Bolat noted that the EU's recent inward-looking and protectionist trade policies in competition with the US and China are being closely monitored. He highlighted the Industrial Acceleration Act as a relevant issue, pointing out that the EU Commission's decision four days ago included Turkey and the Customs Union within the 'Made in EU' concept, but some aspects need clarification. Turkey has strongly requested corrections and is working intensively on this matter.

Emphasizing that the Turkey-EU Customs Union has been in effect for 30 years and Turkey is an EU candidate country, Bolat stated that despite stalled accession negotiations, the integration achieved through the Customs Union must not undermine the principle of free movement or disrupt supply chains. He said Turkey is conducting extensive diplomatic negotiations to prevent any regulation that would harm the Customs Union, involving the President, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bolat highlighted Turkey's massive investments in transportation and infrastructure over the past 23 years, making it one of the countries with the most modern infrastructure globally. During the meeting, they discussed how the war in the Gulf has increased the need for alternative corridors, emphasizing Turkey's strategic position as an excellent transit corridor between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The EU side acknowledged Turkey's remarkable progress.

Bolat concluded that Turkey is a growing, developing, and strong country. The EU representatives expressed that they value Turkey's role in Europe's defense bloc and alliance, particularly its army and defense industry. The meeting was held in a very positive and constructive atmosphere.