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 one hand, also brings the risk of increased costs if not adapted to. Ömer Karadeniz, President of the Plastics Industrialists Federation, stated that this transformation signifies a new era of competition for Turkey, encompassing both risks and significant opportunities simultaneously.
The "Made in Europe" approach, which has become central to European industrial policies, entails a comprehensive transformation covering everything from production to energy use, supply chains, and public procurement. This new framework, aimed at strengthening production within Europe, is expected to have significant implications for Turkey's export structure and industrial competitiveness. Therefore, the process is regarded as both a risk area that Turkey's industry must closely monitor and a new era containing strategic opportunities.
Ömer Karadeniz, Chairman of the Board of the Plastics Industrialists Federation, stated that the European Union's "Made in Europe" approach, which aims 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, aimed at strengthening 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 comply will gain a competitive advantage, while those that do not will face the risk of increased costs and market loss."
Karadeniz stated that Turkey has the potential to adapt to this transformation with its strong production infrastructure and flexible industrial structure, noting 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 highlighted that Turkey's role within European value chains is strategic, stating that maintaining the integrity of production networks is vital for both regional competition and supply security. He noted that Turkey's exclusion could lead to negative consequences not only commercially but also for regional economic stability.
“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 emphasized the importance of aligning existing cooperation mechanisms with today's industrial policies, specifically stating that updating the Customs Union could be decisive in this regard. President Karadeniz made the following statements:
“Failure to deepen economic integration and Turkey's inability to sufficiently integrate with new industrial policies could lead to weaknesses 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 modernize economic cooperation to suit current conditions in trade, technology, and sustainability fields.”
Karadeniz stated that the transformation in Europe is not limited to production policies alone; it also encompasses strategic areas such as green transformation, digitalization, technology investments, and supply security. He emphasized that it is critical for Turkey to position itself not outside, but as an active part of this process.
Karadeniz stated 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.