Bolat Discussed Made in EU Initiative in Brussels
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met with EU officials to review the proposed industrial framework's impact on trade.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Trade
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Trade Minister Ömer Bolat held high-level discussions in Brussels regarding the European Commission's new 'Made in EU' proposal. The framework currently includes Türkiye and the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, but concerns remain regarding automotive sector restrictions.
Why it matters
The EU is working to implement its Industrial Acceleration Act, and Türkiye aims to ensure that these new policies remain fully compatible with the existing Customs Union agreement. Ensuring alignment in sectors like automotive is critical to maintaining smooth cross-border trade flows.
The European Commission published the 'Made in EU' proposal on March 4, establishing a new framework that impacts regional trade participants. The schedule now pivots toward the third High-Level Trade Dialogue meeting set to occur in mid-October.
The players
Ömer Bolat
He serves as the Minister of Trade for Türkiye and is responsible for managing international trade relations.
Stephane Sejourne
He is an EU official involved in high-level trade discussions regarding the industrial framework.
Marta Kos
She is an EU official who participated in the trade consultations with Turkish representatives.
The details
Minister Bolat met with Stephane Sejourne and Marta Kos to advocate for Turkish interests and address specific concerns within the framework. Both parties have identified public procurement, technical regulations, and connectivity as the key areas for continued cooperation.
Timeline
March 4: The European Commission published the 'Made in EU' proposal.
September 29, 2026: Minister Bolat held trade talks in Brussels.
Mid-October 2026: The Türkiye-EU Business Summit and the third High-Level Trade Dialogue meeting are scheduled.
Market Dynamics
This diplomatic effort follows a pattern set by the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, as officials work to ensure new industrial regulations do not disrupt established trade linkages. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader push to harmonize standards as the EU pursues its Industrial Acceleration Act.
The potential implementation of restrictive provisions in the automotive sector could impact supply chain costs and market access for manufacturers operating within the Customs Union. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming dialogue outcomes for adjustments to trade regulations that may affect import-export pricing.
The takeaway
Trade alignment between major economic blocks requires constant, high-level diplomatic intervention to prevent industrial policy shifts from inadvertently creating new barriers. Businesses should prepare for potential regulatory changes by maintaining active engagement with trade representatives and policy trackers.
What happens next
The Türkiye-EU Business Summit and the third High-Level Trade Dialogue meeting are both scheduled to take place in mid-October 2026.
Further reading
For more background on ongoing trade negotiations and policies, visit the International Trade section.
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