The European Union’s increasingly influential “Made in Europe” policy framework aims to strengthen production within Europe and is ushering in a comprehensive industrial transformation. Production standards, energy consumption, sustainability criteria and supply chain structures are being reshaped under this new framework, with significant implications expected for Türkiye’s export structure and industrial competitiveness.
Ömer Karadeniz, President of the Plastics Manufacturers Federation (PLASFED), stated that the transformation presents both risks and opportunities for Türkiye and emphasized the importance of managing the process strategically.
Companies That Adapt Will Gain Competitive Advantage
Highlighting that access to the European market is now increasingly linked not only to price and capacity but also to sustainability, localization and compliance with production standards, Karadeniz said:
“Companies that adapt will gain a competitive advantage, while those that fail to comply will face the risk of rising costs and potential loss of market share.”
Karadeniz noted that Türkiye has the potential to align with this transformation thanks to its strong production infrastructure and flexible industrial base. He underlined that coordinated action between the public and private sectors will be critical, adding that with the right strategy and timely steps, the process could create new export opportunities for Türkiye.
“European Industry Would Be Incomplete Without Türkiye”
Emphasizing Türkiye’s strategic role within European value chains, Karadeniz stated that preserving the integrity of production networks is vital for both regional competitiveness and supply security.
“Excluding Türkiye would have consequences not only in commercial terms but also for regional economic stability.”
According to Karadeniz, Türkiye’s position within the European industrial ecosystem should be evaluated on the basis of mutual interdependence.
Customs Union Modernization Is Critical
Karadeniz pointed out that strengthening economic integration between Türkiye and Europe is one of the most crucial aspects of the process. He stressed that existing cooperation mechanisms must be aligned with today’s industrial policies and highlighted that modernizing the Customs Union could be a decisive step.
“Failure to deepen economic integration and adequately integrate Türkiye into new industrial policies could weaken production networks. This would affect both Europe’s competitiveness and regional economic cohesion. It is essential that Türkiye be more actively involved in new industrial mechanisms and that economic cooperation be modernized in line with current conditions in trade, technology and sustainability.”
A Strategic Opportunity, Not Just a Compliance Process
Karadeniz also emphasized that Europe’s transformation extends beyond production policies to encompass green transition, digitalization, technology investments and supply security. He underlined that Türkiye must position itself as an active participant rather than remaining outside this process.
He concluded that Türkiye should approach this transformation not merely as a compliance obligation but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its industrial structure.
In the new era of global competition, alignment with “Made in Europe” criteria is no longer a choice, it is becoming a key pillar of sustainable growth.
