Türkiye has called on the European Union to adopt a more inclusive approach to its emerging trade, competition, and industrial policies, arguing that closer integration with Ankara would enhance the bloc's competitiveness and strengthen Europe's economic security.

The remarks were made by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat during a meeting in Madrid on Wednesday with Spain's Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, where the two officials reviewed bilateral economic relations, Türkiye-EU ties, and the latest global and regional economic developments.

Following the meeting, Bolat said the discussions focused on the European Union's evolving industrial strategy, including the recently introduced Industrial Acceleration Act, and stressed that Türkiye should be included in the bloc's future economic planning.

"We discussed the EU's recently implemented trade, competition and industrial policies, particularly the Industrial Acceleration Act," Bolat said in a statement shared on social media.

"We emphasized that shaping these policies through an inclusive approach that also covers Türkiye would make significant contributions both to the EU's competitiveness and to Europe's economic security," he added.

Customs Union Modernization Highlighted

Bolat also underlined Türkiye's longstanding expectation that the Türkiye-EU Customs Union be modernized and implemented more effectively, describing the agreement as the cornerstone of the country's deep economic integration with European markets.

The Turkish minister said updating the Customs Union would unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, digital commerce, services, agriculture, and public procurement while further strengthening economic cooperation between Türkiye and EU member states.

Public procurement was identified during the meeting as another promising area for expanding bilateral economic collaboration.

Spain Remains Key Economic Partner

Describing Spain as one of Türkiye's closest partners within the European Union, Bolat said the two countries continue to enjoy a strong relationship built on strategic cooperation, friendship, and mutual trust.

Spain is currently Türkiye's fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $20.5 billion annually.

The two ministers agreed to convene the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Spain Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) in Madrid later this autumn, with broad participation from business leaders and private-sector representatives from both countries.

Bolat said the meeting is expected to generate new investment opportunities and deepen commercial cooperation across multiple sectors.

Trade Target Raised to $25 Billion

Highlighting the steady growth in bilateral economic relations, Bolat announced that Türkiye and Spain are aiming to increase their annual trade volume from $20.5 billion to $25 billion over the medium term.

"Our goal is to increase our bilateral trade volume with Spain from $20.5 billion to $25 billion annually in the medium term," he said.

Bolat expressed confidence that the long-standing strategic partnership between Ankara and Madrid would continue to expand through innovative business initiatives, stronger investment ties, and closer economic cooperation.

The meeting comes as Türkiye continues to seek deeper economic integration with the European Union while strengthening trade relations with key European partners amid shifting global supply chains and evolving industrial policies. (ILKHA)