Türkiye has achieved a strategic success in the draft of the European Union's (EU) Industrial Acceleration Act, for which preparations are ongoing. According to the development announced by Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, the "Made in EU" vision that the EU will implement in the new period will also cover Türkiye within the framework of the existing Customs Union agreement. This decision secures the supply chain position and export power of domestic industry, particularly the automotive sector, in the European market.
At a time when protectionist policies are increasing in global trade, diplomatic contacts conducted between Türkiye and the European Union have yielded concrete results. The EU published the draft of its Industrial Acceleration Act, prepared to protect and support its own industry. Moreover, the most critical detail in the draft was the provision that the "Made in EU" requirement will, in principle, be arranged to include Türkiye. This development pre-emptively eliminated potential non-tariff barriers that Turkish manufacturers might face in the European market.
Customs Union Advantage Retained
In recent years, the European Union has been taking various legal steps to attract production in strategic sectors to its own continent. Indeed, the "Made in EU" policy aims to prioritise products manufactured directly within the EU in public procurement and supply chains.
If Türkiye had remained outside this policy, Turkish industrialists would have faced serious competitive disadvantages when selling products to Europe. However, thanks to the constructive diplomatic efforts carried out by the Ministry of Trade, the existing Customs Union agreement was taken as a reference. Consequently, Türkiye was legally confirmed as an integral and reliable part of the EU's value chain.
Continuity in Automotive and Critical Supply Chains
The automotive sector is among the areas that will be most affected by this strategic decision. Türkiye is one of Europe's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. It also stands out as the continent's main supplier for passenger cars and sub-industry parts.
Türkiye being considered under the "Made in EU" umbrella creates the following advantages:
- Investments by major European brands (Ford, Renault, Fiat, etc.) in Türkiye will continue securely.
- Domestic manufacturers will be able to integrate more easily into the EU's green and digital transformation funds.
- Türkiye's market share will be protected in challenging processes such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
Reciprocal Opening in Public Procurement
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated that this development is just the beginning. The aim is to further deepen the economic partnership in the coming period.
According to Minister Bolat's statements, the next phase will be to ensure that Turkish companies can participate in major public procurement tenders in Europe, based on the principle of reciprocity. Furthermore, integration with the EU will be increased in connectivity projects covering transportation and digital networks. In short, this legal confirmation proves globally that Türkiye is not merely a neighbouring country but an inseparable production base of European industry.
