Joint Statement by Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Hakan Fidan and EU Commissioner for Enlargement H.E. Marta Kos following their Meeting in Ankara

Both sides welcomed the recent mutual engagement in relations across various areas of common interest and reiterated their commitment to translating them into concrete actions. Progress achieved over the past year included five high-level dialogues taking place, continued EU support for Türkiye’s efforts to host refugees, and the facilitated access to Schengen multiple-entry visas for Turkish citizens.

Both sides underlined that recent global and regional developments have further highlighted the strategic importance of Türkiye-EU relations. Minister Fidan, thus, stressed the urgent need to overcome outstanding blockages in bilateral relations and called for a broader, institutional, and multidimensional framework of cooperation. 

Both sides recognised that enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including security and connectivity, is of strategic importance in light of ongoing regional and global developments. They emphasised the importance of closer coordination to shape the regional Connectivity Agenda, encompassing energy, transport, digitalization and trade to contribute to stability, resilience and sustainable growth across Black Sea, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. In this context, both sides underlined the importance of Türkiye’s role as a central geopolitical actor in the region. 

Both parties reaffirmed the importance of economic integration between Türkiye and the EU. Minister Fidan underlined the growing urgency of updating the Customs Union, in view of evolving global trade dynamics, rising geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the proliferation of bilateral and regional trade agreements, supply chain vulnerabilities as well as the green and digital transitions. Both parties agreed to continue engagement on improving the implementation of the Customs Union. They shared a willingness to work for paving the way for the modernisation of the Customs Union and to achieve its full potential in order to support competitiveness, and economic security and resilience for both sides. 

Both parties welcomed the gradual resumption of the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) operations in Türkiye and expressed the intent to further strengthen cooperation with the EIB to support innovation-led and sustainable projects across Türkiye and neighbouring regions.

Both sides welcomed the adoption of the Commission Decision facilitating the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Turkish citizens. They recalled the importance of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue, and further strengthening cooperation on security and migration through the established high-level dialogue.

Commissioner Kos recalled that dialogue on the rule of law and democratic standards is an integral part of EU–Türkiye relations. She also welcomed Türkiye's engagement in the ongoing informal process on Cyprus under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and emphasised the importance of pursuing initiatives that build trust.

Commissioner Kos recalled the importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions by all states.

Marking the commemoration of the devastating 2023 earthquakes, Commissioner Kos honoured the memory of those affected and reaffirmed the European Union’s full solidarity with Türkiye and the Turkish people, including through the EUR 1 billion in emergency and reconstruction support that was provided by the EU.

Referring to the solidarity shown by the EU during the earthquake, Minister Fidan underlined importance of Türkiye-EU solidarity in all areas for the security, stability and welfare of the European continent.