Türkiye and the European Union reached a consensus on strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors during their first High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) in six years, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday.
The meeting, held in Brussels, was co-chaired by Simsek, EU Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi.
“We held the Türkiye-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue in a very constructive atmosphere after a six-year break,” Simsek wrote on X. “A consensus emerged on enhancing economic relations and increasing cooperation in all areas.”
Key topics included modernization of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, visa facilitation, and increased engagement with European-based international financial institutions.
In a joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EU-Türkiye economic and financial ties, calling the meeting an “important step” toward deeper relations.
“Türkiye is a candidate country and a key EU partner. In a challenging geopolitical environment, EU-Türkiye relations should be guided by shared values, including rule of law, democracy, media freedom, and human rights,” the statement said.
Officials also discussed current economic policy developments, recent EU initiatives to enhance competitiveness, and Türkiye’s structural reforms under its 2025–2027 Economic Reform Programme.
Representatives from the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Council of Europe Development Bank also attended. All parties underscored the importance of international financial institutions in boosting competitiveness, sustainability, and economic cohesion.
The dialogue included a Türkiye-EU business-to-business meeting involving private sector leaders and financial institutions, with a focus on improving access to long-term financing, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The next HLED meeting will be held in Türkiye, the statement said.
