Turkey has welcomed its legal recognition in the European Union’s proposed “Made in EU” policy, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said on Thursday, calling it a significant step for bilateral trade relations.
The European Commission unveiled a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening Europe’s industrial base, introducing “Made in EU” and low-carbon requirements for strategic sectors. The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) targets industries including steel, cement, aluminum, automobiles, and net-zero technologies, with potential future expansion to energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals.
Turkey, whose largest export market is the EU, sent $116.9 billion in goods to the bloc in 2025, representing 42.8% of its exports, up 7.7% from the previous year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK).
Bolat said on the social media platform NSosyal that recognizing the existing Customs Union within the framework of the new industrial policy was “constructive” for sustaining investments and enhancing the competitiveness of European value chains.
“The confirmation of Turkey’s inclusion in the ‘Made in EU’ criteria is an important step for commercial relations,” he added, noting that the country remains a reliable part of Europe’s value chains, particularly in the automotive and other critical sectors. Bolat said the move is expected to deepen sectoral integration and accelerate the green and digital transformation of shared value chains.
“In the coming period, we will continue to pursue reciprocal openings in public procurement markets and maintain close engagement with the EU in areas such as connectivity and green transformation,” Bolat said.
Nail Olpak, president of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), described Turkey’s recognition under the IAA and Made in Europe policy as “extremely significant,” and said DEİK would continue trade diplomacy to secure Turkey’s interests and address remaining EU-related issues.
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) President Şekib Avdagiç also welcomed the development, calling it a major achievement for the Turkish business community. He said the legal framework would prevent the “Made in EU” policy from creating a competitive disadvantage for Turkish products and stressed the importance of positioning Turkey as a high-tech supply hub for the European market.
The EU’s legislative proposal comes amid broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience and reduce carbon intensity across key sectors.