EU-Türkiye Cooperation Stories

Green, pink, and black with a small protrusion at the tip. These olives, grown in Türkiye on branches grafted onto wild olive trees, have been elevated to a special status by the European Union (EU).

The designation Manisa Mesir Macunu denotes a traditional spicy-sweet paste recently granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union (EU). This is the first product from Manisa province to receive this important recognition from the EU.

The designation ‘Söke Pamuğu’ denotes a particular type of cotton recently granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union (EU). Söke Pamuğu represents the EU’s and Türkiye’s first cotton product and the fourth product from the Aydın province, after Aydın İnciri (fig), Aydın Kestanesi (chesnut), and Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı (olive oil), to receive this important recognition from the EU.

In a world increasingly shaped by the realities of the climate crisis, Izmir, a city on the shores of the Aegean Sea, is taking firm and hopeful steps towards a sustainable future. Izmir is not only imagining a cleaner, greener tomorrow - it is building it today, hand in hand with the European Union (EU).

This is the story of Erdem Aktaş, a young man who has dreamed of becoming a car painter since childhood. An employment project under the EU co-funded NEET PRO Grant Programme is helping him achieve this dream.

“We are sighted and non-sighted individuals who travel as companions on a tandem bicycle, enjoying a profound companionship in the process,” says Fatih Söylemez, President of the Co-Pedal Association.

Olive cultivation is an important agricultural production activity in Türkiye. Of the 30 Turkish product recognised by the European Union (EU) to date, three are olive oils, and two are table olives; Milas Yağlı Zeytini and Milas Zeytinyağı belong to this list.

Gülşah Bayrakçı, a mother of two and former manager at a private oncology hospital in Ankara, found herself at a crossroads following her mother ’ s passing. She faced with two options: leaving city life behind to care for her family ’ s land or letting the farm, fields, and olive groves fall into neglect. She chose the former.

Sema Gür, a history teacher from İzmir, had never shown much interest in cycling throughout her life. Even when she joined bike rides at the insistence of her fellow teachers, she would drive her car.

With its rich historical heritage and flourishing contemporary art scene, Izmir is rapidly emerging as an impressive cultural hub. From vibrant events to dynamic festivals, the city is a contender for the creative centre of Türkiye’s Aegean coast. Artists, musicians, and filmmakers are drawn to Izmir for its welcoming atmosphere.

The green energy transition plays a vital role in addressing global environmental challenges, including climate change. Therefore, the European Union (EU) has placed tackling the climate crisis at the heart of the European Green Deal. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy security, and boost economic growth by investing in clean energy innovations such as wind, solar, and green hydrogen. The strategy promotes international partnerships and cooperation and helps countries take the lead in developing green energy solutions through EU-supported initiatives.

Mobility in dynamic spaces of cities is key in shaping our futures. Do you drive to work, use public transportation, cycle, or walk? Are there enough bike lanes in your city? Are the pavements user-friendly? Is sustainable transport infrastructure in place?

Two talented women, actress Zeynep Yıldırım and business graduate Arife Palamut, met on the stage of Didim theatre thanks to the EU-funded WOMEN-UP Project.

The 8,500-year-old pearl of the Aegean, İzmir is a coastal city built on the gulf. From time to time, the sea level rises because of storm surges and the coastline is flooded. Sudden weather events cause flooding. The city is also under the threat of water scarcity and drought.

Fadime Ayca Ceylan, Emine Betül Koral and Aslıhan Çalık are three young women who fearlessly pursue their passion in the information technology (IT) world regardless of what pessimists told them.

“When I was a child, I imagined that I would later work with machines. I used to open the inside of devices at home and examine them. Sometimes, I would repair broken devices, and sometimes, I would break devices that were intact,” says Sude Toprak with a laugh.

"This project has transformed my life: from a housewife, I have become an artisan who travels abroad and received the distinction of 'Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture Artist'."

The name “Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı” for a variety of olive oil has been registered as the protected designation of origin (PDO) by the European Union (EU).

The European Union (EU) supported project “Cultural Wealth of Izmir - Sustaining Jewish Heritage” came to a close in January 2024. The Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, joined the closing conference . Carried out by the Jewish Community Foundation of Izmir in cooperation with the Our City Izmir Association, the project contributes to preserving and sustaining Jewish cultural heritage and strengthening the Izmir’s Jewish community.

After Milas in Muğla province, Edremit in Balıkesir province became the second district in Türkiye to have two products names registered as PDO by the EU: “Edremit Körfezi Yeşil Çizik Zeytini” for a table olive and previously "Edremit Zeytinyağı" for olive oil.

“Milas Yağlı Zeytini” olive has been awarded the protected designation of origin (PDO) status by the European Union (EU). Thus, Milas in Muğla province became the first district in Türkiye to have two products registered as geographical indications by the EU: “Milas Yağlı Zeytini” olive and previously "Milas Zeytinyağı" olive oil. The recognition by the EU will help to protect the name of "Milas Yağlı Zeytini", just as "Milas Zeytinyağı", and to promote the product and its unique characteristics linked to geographical area of production as well as traditional know-how.