The matter of rendering the Customs Union (CU), which we have been a part of since 1995, more judicious for Turkey, as you know, is always on the agenda. After all, it should be. Why? Let us approach this matter in our article today.

Without a doubt, the Customs Union (CU) Agreement has taken the economic relations between Turkey and EU to a fresh level and this has been a remarkable gain for our country. The Customs Union (CU), which deepened the binary commerce relations by providing free goods circulation, also became a catalyst of the transformation in the EU process through it's relative adaptation studies. On top of that, by creating a competition-increasing effect in our manufacturing of products, provided accretion value to our economy.

Not only that; it also made it easy for the acceleration of foreign investments that came from the EU to Turkey. In that period, the EU became not only the biggest commerce partner, but also the biggest investor of Turkey.

The visa torment

That's all very good but it's also a reality that some mechanisms, which are processing to the detriment of Turkey, are preventing this binary potential from completely showing itself.

One of the issues related with this is, as you know, the visa difficulties… However, within the frame of consolidated relation, there is nothing more natural than entrepreneurs to be in a reciprocal dynamism and travel. As for the EU's visa limitations; it's causing time and business losses by hindering this potential. While the European entrepreneurs comfortably enters Turkey, our entrepreneurs are being torn financially and spiritually because of the visa.

It's up to them

As for the other obstacle that is frequently encountered in commercial relations, it is the issues related with transportation. As you know, an important part of Turkey's commerce with the EU is based on land route transportation…. However, we are face to face with the reality that the “circulation of free goods” basis is not processed in this direction. Unfortunately our goods are not freely circulated in the region.

As for why; it's due to the transport and passage quotas set by member countries on transportation. Because countries in the EU are deciding on these limitations on their own. In short, it's up to them… Under these circumstances, we are exposed to arbitrary injustices in some countries that limit the passage of our Turkish goods. This is also a big problem for our transporters and exporters.

There is also a tragicomic side to this; the deterred cars are carrying the goods of the European companies, which are active in Turkey, at the same time. In another saying, this implementation is also bad for EU-based companies… Of course, as a factor, that makes it difficult to do Turkey-based business; it hits us at the end of the day.

Not being a side while already being a side

Another essential problem we are experiencing within the context of CU is; the EU signing free trade agreements (FTA) with 3rd countries autonomously. We are experiencing a strangeness like the EU, who is a side in the Customs Union, to negotiate FTA alone by excluding us.

Then, what's touching us here? First of all, if Turkey does not make agreements with the 3rd countries in question, then; while our exportation is being affected negatively, there are also losses in the tax incomes from our importation. Another aspect of this is that those FTAs are not limited with manufactured (and processed agricultural) goods, contrary to the CU between Turkey and the EU.

In short, we are facing an unjust situation like being a side of the union and not being a side of the Shared Decision Making Mechanism and Common Commercial Policy (CCP).

Now, there is also TTIP

We had mentioned the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) that is expected to be set in motion between the EU and US. In the case that Turkey is not included in this partnership or Turkey does not sign an FTA with the US, within the frame of 3rd countries, the economic losses created by the CU will also deepen here.

Within this context, it's clear that Turkey should also play a role in the formation and decision making processes of OTP within the scope of negotiations done by the US with 3rd countries. We are talking about models like sitting on the table as a single side or making parallel negotiations. Besides, similar to some FTAs of the US, the CU should be revised in a way to include new aspects like services and agricultural goods.

The sweeping of the resolution processes related with these matters is of high importance for Turkey. In this direction, we wish for all the intense work carried out by various authorities, our related Ministries being in the first place, to yield fruit in a short time. Because the removal of injustices will be ensuring the deepening and more healthy conducting of the reciprocal relations. Including the EU process. Besides, our exportation to the region will reach the tempo it deserves.

On the other hand, it wouldn't be bad if Europe attempts to have a look at the importance of treating Turkey justly from a strategic point. Especially in an era we are experiencing….

In brief; it's time for the EU to show loyalty to Turkey; it has already come and is almost gone.

The Customs Union has just turned 20 years old. Now it needs to ripen and spruce up.

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