Belgium calls for renewal of Turkey-EU Customs Union framework
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the time has come to renew the Customs Union between Turkey and the European Union. Prevot stated that Brussels supports deepening economic ties with Ankara. The remarks come as Turkey works to expand its trade capacity with the EU.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the time has come to renew the Customs Union between Turkey and the European Union. Speaking during a visit to Turkey, Prevot stressed that deepening trade flows between the EU and Ankara would be in the interest of both sides.
The Customs Union has been in force since 1995. The agreement covers industrial goods and processed agricultural products, but excludes areas such as services, public procurement and digital trade. Turkish officials say renewal could significantly boost annual trade volumes that already exceed 50 billion euros. The European Commission has also acknowledged that an update is being considered at technical level.
Prevot said the talks also touched on cooperation on migration and the energy transition. Belgium stated during its rotating presidency of the EU Council that it supported deepening dialogue with Turkey. The Turkish Trade Ministry said a technical delegation is expected to travel to Brussels for talks in the coming months.
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