EU and Turkey Strengthen Industrial Decarbonisation Efforts
Brussels, Friday, 28 November 2025.
On November 27, 2025, EU and Turkey officials met in Brussels to boost cooperation on industrial decarbonisation, launching the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform to align with EU climate goals.
Strategic Decarbonisation Initiatives Unveiled
The recent meeting between EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır in Brussels marked a significant advancement in EU-Turkey relations regarding industrial decarbonisation. Central to this dialogue was the launch of the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform (TIDIP), a cooperative effort involving the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World Bank. This platform aims to expedite Turkey’s transition towards a greener industrial sector, aligning with broader EU climate objectives [1].
Economic and Political Implications
Turkey’s commitment to integrating its industrial policies with EU sustainability standards signifies a broader political and economic alignment with European environmental goals. Since 2003, Turkey has been an active participant in EU research and innovation programs, receiving €885 million in support, which includes €362 million from the Horizon Europe initiative [2]. This financial backing underscores the EU’s strategic interest in Turkey’s industrial transformation, which is crucial for achieving the continent’s climate targets [3].
Innovation and Collaboration at the Forefront
The meeting also highlighted the role of innovation in achieving decarbonisation targets. Both parties stressed the importance of start-up and scale-up financing to convert R&D outcomes into market-ready products [1]. The introduction of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in Turkey, co-funded by the EU and Turkish government, has accelerated since August 2023, aiming to foster innovation in line with EU standards [2]. This strategy is pivotal for Turkey as it continues to integrate into the European Research Area [3].
Challenges and Future Prospects
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in commercialising innovations and ensuring that new technologies reach the market effectively. Turkey’s focus on aligning its industrial practices with global sustainability standards is a step towards mitigating these challenges. Future joint projects are anticipated, with detailed plans expected to be unveiled in early 2026, reflecting a continued commitment to collaborative innovation and decarbonisation efforts [1][3].