EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on 30 June 2026, agreeing to enhance cooperation on trade, migration, security, and regional stability. The meeting, which produced a joint press release, reaffirmed Türkiye's candidate status and the strategic value of EU-Türkiye relations in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
The discussions covered economic and trade cooperation, connectivity, migration, security, and foreign policy challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to take steps to further enhance the cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship. They agreed on the importance of regional stability and good neighbourly relations, and voiced support for UN Secretary-General's efforts on the Cyprus issue.
The EU side stressed the need for Türkiye to strengthen rule of law, fundamental rights, and democratic standards in the context of enlargement. On foreign policy, they reiterated commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the EU recalling the importance of preventing circumvention of EU sanctions. They agreed to coordinate Turkish and EU efforts to contribute to peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, strengthening connectivity, trade, and economic links.
On economic matters, they reaffirmed willingness to improve implementation of the Customs Union and pave the way for its modernisation. Both sides underlined the importance of an inclusive and reciprocal approach in industrial policy for competitiveness and economic security. They also agreed that Türkiye's potential participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) would be beneficial.
In migration, they discussed the Visa Liberalization Dialogue and visa procedures for Turkish citizens, acknowledging the geopolitical situation's impact on population movements and expressing determination to work together on border management and fighting migrant smuggling. They underlined cooperation in trade, energy, transport, and digitalisation, welcoming the gradual resumption of European Investment Bank operations in Türkiye.
The parties agreed to meet again and schedule high-level dialogues before the end of the year on economy, trade, migration, security, health, science, innovation, and agriculture.
The meeting signals a moderate warming of EU-Türkiye relations after a period of limited high-level engagement. For Turkish citizens, progress on visa liberalisation and SEPA participation could ease travel and financial transactions. For EU businesses, modernisation of the Customs Union and EIB operations may open new trade and investment opportunities. However, the EU's insistence on democratic reforms and sanctions compliance may create friction with Ankara's domestic and foreign policy priorities. The agreement to hold further dialogues provides a framework for addressing these differences.