European Union–Turkey Customs Union

A report recommending an end to the Customs Union between the European Union and Turkey and replacing it with a free trade agreement (FTA) of the type with the United Kingdom, Japan or Canada has been discussed at the European Parliament's Commission on International Trade (INTA).

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 22 reiterated her opposition to Turkey's full membership in the European Union but voiced support for closer ties with Ankara by updating the EU-Turkey Customs Union and a key refugee agreement.

The European Commission announced June 24 that it has adopted a number of conclusions on Turkey after the first day of an EU Leaders' Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

The offer of closer economic links, mixed with threats, reflects the complex relationship between Turkey, an EU candidate, and the world's largest trading bloc, which have drifted apart but are now seeking improved ties.

A free trade deal (FTA) signed between Turkey and the United Kingdom will help the two allied nations to create a strategic partnership with effects beyond trade and economy, the British envoy to Ankara has said, informing that Ankara and London have also agreed to negotiate on a more ambitious and comprehensive agreement.  

The landmark free trade agreement signed between Turkey and the U.K. has shown that the European Union Customs Union falls behind on many fronts, a top Turkish official said on Jan. 6. 

The deal between Ankara and London signed last week could be a model for updating the customs union, said Nail Olpak, the head of Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board, at a virtual meeting.

Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan has told the ambassadors of EU countries in Ankara that Turkey is waiting for the European Commission to renew the 1996 customs union agreement.

"Your contributions in this sense are exceptionally important. We invite you to work with the business world," she said at a meeting with the EU Delegation to Turkey on Feb. 26.

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) today decided to call on the Commission to propose appropriate measures against Turkey over its continuing illegal drilling in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told a news conference today.

The GAC reiterated that the EU has «frozen» talks with Turkey on accession and the customs union.

Turkey's membership in the European Union would contribute greatly to both sides, the U.K.'s ambassador to Ankara said on May 24.         

The war of words between Ankara and Berlin is creating ever more risk, perhaps in unintended and unforeseen ways.