EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, and Internal Affairs 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, marks a renewed push to revitalise EU-Türkiye relations after a period of limited high-level engagement.
The participants recalled Türkiye's candidate status and acknowledged the strategic value of ties in promoting regional stability and economic resilience. They reaffirmed their determination to take steps to further enhance the cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship. The EU side stressed the need for Türkiye to strengthen the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and ensure high democratic standards in the context of enlargement.
On trade, both sides underlined the importance of improving implementation of the Customs Union while paving the way for its modernisation. They also agreed that Türkiye's potential participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) would be beneficial. The EU welcomed the gradual resumption of European Investment Bank operations in Türkiye.
Regarding migration, they discussed the current state of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue and exchanged views on visa procedures for Turkish citizens. They acknowledged shared challenges from population movements and expressed determination to work together on border management and fighting migrant smuggling.
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 in the South Caucasus to strengthen connectivity, trade, and economic links. They also underlined the importance of strengthening security and defence dialogue in complementarity with NATO.
The parties agreed to meet again and to schedule high-level dialogues before the end of the year on economy, trade, migration, security, health, science, innovation, and agriculture.