The European Union and Türkiye held their High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) in Istanbul on 2 July 2026, co-chaired by EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis and Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek. The meeting reviewed economic policy developments, discussed Türkiye's potential participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), and explored deeper cooperation on economic security, connectivity, and strategic sectors.
Türkiye informed the EU that it has officially submitted a letter of intent to the European Payments Council to join SEPA, which the parties agreed would enable faster, more secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments, facilitating trade and investment. The dialogue also covered Türkiye's steps to ensure price stability and financial stability, and EU efforts to foster competitiveness, with a shared view to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
The meeting included representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). Participants welcomed the EIB's re-engagement in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Türkiye supporting SMEs and exporters, and noted the EBRD's record €2.7 billion investments in 2025. The parties expressed interest in further cooperation on transport, energy, and digital connectivity under the Connectivity Agenda.
The High-Level Business Dialogue, held alongside the HLED, brought together business community representatives and IFIs to discuss obstacles to doing business and explore new engagement opportunities. The parties agreed to meet next year in Brussels, reiterating their commitment to regular dialogue and cooperation in essential economic areas.
The HLED is part of broader efforts to enhance EU-Türkiye relations, following the Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye relations from November 2023 and guidance by the European Council. The EU side stressed that relations should continue to be guided by values such as rule of law, fundamental rights, democracy, and media freedom, which are considered fundamental for a mutually beneficial economic relationship.