Fidan’s message to the EU on Customs Union and visas: Political obstacles are slowing down the process

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the updating of the Customs Union and visa facilitation are among the priority agenda items in relations between Turkey and the European Union.

Fidan answered questions at a joint press conference held after the Seventh Meeting of the Turkey-Kyrgyzstan Joint Strategic Planning Group, which he co-chaired with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev in Ankara.

Stating that there is a strong desire on both sides to update the Customs Union, Fidan expressed that the process is not progressing at the desired speed due to political reasons. Fidan noted that the Greek Cypriot administration is imposing a blockade on this issue, adding that some decision-making processes within the EU are influenced by negotiations between member states.

But what we see is that the overwhelming majority of the EU is in favor of updating the Customs Union.

Fidan stated that the current trade volume is approaching approximately 250 billion dollars, and that there is potential for this volume to double or triple if the Customs Union is updated. He emphasized that the update would be beneficial for both Turkey and the EU.

Touching upon visa and migration issues, Fidan said that as Turkey's integration with Europe increases, demand for travel for business, students, artistic circles, and tourism is rising. Reminding that the EU transitioned to a phased visa facilitation practice called "Cascade" last year, Fidan noted that this needs to be taken further.

Fidan stated that there are conditions that must be met for a visa liberalization agreement to be reached in the long term, noting that programs regarding this matter have been shared between the parties.