Minister Hakan Fidan and Commissioner Marta Kos met in Istanbul on July 25 to reaffirm the importance of Türkiyes EU candidate status and its constructive role in fostering stability and prosperity across the broader region.

Building on a shared vision of strategic collaboration, both sides agreed to advance a joint agenda in key areas of connectivity—including trade, energy, transportation, and digitalization—with particular focus on the EUs Black Sea strategy and projects linking Europe to Central Asia.

The parties welcomed the adoption of the Commission Decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Turkish citizens, aimed at enhancing predictability and increasing mobility. Both sides underlined the importance of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue.

Minister Fidan and Commissioner Kos reiterated their shared commitment to work towards better implementation of the Customs Union and paving the way for modernization which further supports competitiveness and economic security on both sides. They agreed that its reform is mutually beneficial and essential to building a resilient and inclusive economic partnership.

Both parties recognized the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a key actor in regional development and expressed intent to strengthen cooperation with the EIB to support innovation-led, sustainable projects across Türkiye and neighbouring regions.

In the context of Ukraines reconstruction, the Minister and the Commissioner committed to intensifying joint efforts and encouraging private sector involvement, ensuring the rebuilding of vital infrastructure and services.

The support to investments through the Türkiye Investment Platform was also welcomed, with both sides expressing determination to channel investment into strategic sectors, foster long-term sustainability, and promote regional inclusivity.

The Minister and the Commissioner also exchanged views on the third round of Russia-Ukraine talks that took place in İstanbul on July 24 and on the Balkan Peace Platform, which was held on July 26.

Finally, Minister Fidan informed the Commissioner on the recent informal meetings on Cyprus, held in a broader format under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General in Geneva and New York. Commissioner Kos welcomed these talks.

Commissioner Kos also emphasized that dialogue on rule of law and democratic standards is an integral part of our relationship and a commitment by Türkiye as a candidate country.

Minister Fidan, while stressing the urgent need for a credible and principled enlargement policy, emphasized that all candidate countries must be treated fairly, and that the process should be based solely on merit and objective criteria. He reaffirmed Türkiyes unwavering commitment to the EU accession process.