Europe's "Made in Europe" criteria necessitate a comprehensive transformation, from production to energy use. For Turkey, this process, while offering new export opportunities on the one hand, also brings potential cost risks if compliance is not achieved. Ömer Karadeniz, President of the Plastics Industrialists' Federation, stated that this transformation marks a new period of competition for Turkey, simultaneously encompassing both risks and significant opportunities.
The "Made in Europe" approach, which has become central to European industrial policies, brings about a comprehensive transformation, from production to energy use, from supply chains to public procurement. This new framework, aiming to strengthen production within Europe, is expected to have significant consequences for Turkey's export structure and industrial competitiveness. Therefore, the process is considered a new period for Turkish industry, both as an area of risk to be carefully monitored and one offering strategic opportunities.
Ömer Karadeniz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Plastics Industrialists' Federation, stated that the European Union's "Made in Europe" approach, aiming to strengthen domestic production in industry, creates a broad impact area from production conditions to energy use and supply chains. Karadeniz expressed that this new framework, which aims to strengthen production within Europe, will have significant consequences for Turkey's export structure and industrial competitiveness.
“The right strategy can create new opportunities for Turkey”
Emphasizing that access to the European market is increasingly linked to sustainability, localization, and compliance with production standards, Karadeniz said, “Companies that adapt will gain a competitive advantage, while those that cannot will face the risk of increased costs and market loss.” Karadeniz stated that Turkey, with its strong production infrastructure and flexible industrial structure, has the potential to adapt to this transformation, and noted that coordinated action between the public and private sectors is critically important. He added that with the right strategy and timely steps, the process could create new export opportunities for Turkey.
“European industry would be incomplete without Turkey”
Karadeniz pointed out that Turkey's role within European value chains is strategic, stating that maintaining the integrity of production networks is vital for both regional competitiveness and supply security. He noted that Turkey being excluded could have negative consequences not only commercially but also for regional economic stability.
“The Customs Union must be updated”
The President of the umbrella organization PLASFED stated that one of the most critical issues in this process is strengthening economic integration between Turkey and Europe. Karadeniz drew attention to the importance of aligning existing cooperation mechanisms with today's industrial policies, specifically noting that the updating of the Customs Union could be decisive in this regard. President Karadeniz made the following statements:
“Failure to deepen economic integration and insufficient integration of Turkey with new industrial policies could lead to weakening in production networks. This situation could affect both Europe's competitiveness and regional economic harmony. Therefore, it is important to further include Turkey in new industrial mechanisms and to modernize economic cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and sustainability, in line with current conditions.”
Karadeniz stated that the transformation in Europe is not limited to production policies only; it also encompasses strategic areas such as green transformation, digitalization, technology investments, and supply security, emphasizing that it is critical for Turkey to position itself as an active part of this process, not outside of it. Karadeniz expressed that Turkey should view this transformation not merely as a compliance process, but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its industrial structure.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.