Mehmet Ali Yalçındağ head of the Türkiye-Europe Business Councils at DEİK, has underscored Türkiye’s crucial role in shaping Europe’s future security and economic framework.
In light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yalçındağ emphasized that Europe’s success in both defense and trade is inseparable from Türkiye’s involvement.
He argued that it is no longer feasible for European nations to ignore Türkiye in security and trade matters. “Excluding Türkiye from these discussions would isolate the country and ultimately harm the EU,” he stated.
With Türkiye’s advancements in defense technology and aerospace exports reaching a record $7.1 billion in 2024 its global importance is growing steadily.
Yalçındağ also called for an updated Customs Union and the removal of bureaucratic barriers such as visa restrictions, urging both Türkiye and Europe to strengthen their ties in emerging fields like AI and technology.
“We need a new partnership based on mutual goals,” he urged.
In conclusion, Yalçındağ warned that without deeper integration with Türkiye, Europe risks being left behind in the evolving global landscape.
