Today, Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos met Turkeys Minister of Finance Mehmet Şimşek for a high-level economic dialogue in Brussels.
This was the first dialogue since 2019, providing an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen EU-Turkey economic and financial relations, in line with the Joint Communication to the European Council from November 2023. It also served as an important platform to discuss broader global developments.
The dialogue allowed for open exchanges and EU concerns about recent arrests in Turkey. The EU stressed that Turkey, as a candidate country, must uphold high democratic standards, as outlined in the Joint Statement by Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos.
The focus was on economic outlook and recent policy developments, with discussions on long-term reforms, competitiveness, and improvements in the investment climate.
A Business-to-Business Dialogue took place, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and the green transition, with better access to sustainable financing for SMEs.
EU and Turkey representatives agreed to meet again next year in Turkey for further cooperation.
Background
The last dialogue occurred in 2019. It was suspended due to unauthorized drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean. Since 2023, Turkey has tightened its economic policy.
In December 2024, member states agreed to resume the dialogue. It is crucial for the positive agenda outlined in the Joint Communication from November 2023.
This dialogue complements ongoing discussions on economic reforms in Turkey, within the framework of multilateral economic surveillance.
The EU remains committed to engaging with Turkey on fundamental rights and democratic principles.
For more information
Joint statement on the EU-Turkey High-Level Economic Dialogue