According to a statement by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, a working group meeting was held between Turkish officials and the European Commission to discuss trade cooperation and the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister Mustafa Tuzcu and Gerassimos Thomas, director-general of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).
Focus on emissions methodology and verification
During the discussions, both sides examined technical aspects of CBAM in detail, particularly regarding emissions calculation methodologies.
Key topics included the recognition of Turkey’s renewable energy system within CBAM calculations and the acceptance of verification processes that would allow exporters to use actual emissions data instead of default values. The revision of default emission values applied to certain sectors was also discussed.
Alignment with EU ETS and carbon pricing
The parties also addressed how exemptions granted under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) could be reflected within the CBAM framework.
In addition, discussions covered the potential offsetting of Turkey’s developing carbon pricing mechanism against CBAM obligations, aiming to ensure fair treatment of Turkish exporters.
Broader trade cooperation on agenda
Beyond CBAM, the meeting also covered cooperation in e-commerce and broader trade relations between Turkey and the European Union. Within the framework of the Customs Union, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining close dialogue to support balanced trade development and strengthen supply and value chains.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade stated that discussions with the European Commission will continue on a regular basis. These efforts aim to enhance mutual cooperation, improve regulatory alignment and ensure that CBAM implementation does not disrupt trade flows between Turkey and the EU.
