The European Turkish Trade & Investment Council (ETTIC), a non-profit organisation, officially announced its formation with the aim of deepening economic, trade and investment ties between the European Union and the Republic of Türkiye.
The organisation, which has been formally registered under the laws of Belgium and approved by Royal Decree, serves as a strategic platform to promote and modernise the existing Customs Union framework and support sustainable economic cooperation.
ETTIC has been founded by the collective efforts of several prominent European bilateral chambers of commerce operating in Türkiye, who recognise the immense potential of enhancing trade and investment relations between Europe and Türkiye. The organisation’s mission aligns with the shared objective of fostering robust economic growth, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.
Economic partnerships
The Bilateral Chambers in Türkiye, representing thousands of corporate members, have played a critical role in facilitating over EUR 200 billion in trade annually and driving foreign direct investments (FDI) worth EUR 200 billion from 2002 to 2023 between Türkiye and the EU.
Leveraging this strong economic foundation, ETTIC will focus on further expanding these economic ties, advocating for the modernisation and upgrade of the Customs Union, which remains a cornerstone of Türkiye-EU economic relations.
The newly formed ETTIC aims to act as a unified voice for European businesses in Türkiye, ensuring their interests are well-represented in discussions related to trade policy, investment initiatives, and economic reforms.
By working closely with European and Turkish authorities, the Council seeks to address challenges, unlock new opportunities, and drive initiatives that benefit both economies.
Leadership and strategic vision
ETTIC is led by an esteemed Board of Directors comprising influential figures from the European business community in Türkiye:
- Chairperson: Markus C. Slevogt, former President of AHK – German-Turkish Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
- Vice Chairperson: Franck Mereyde, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye.
- Treasurer: Tuğrul Şeremet, President of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye.
Board Members:
- Livio Manzini, Honorary Chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye.
- Arpat Şenocak, President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye.
- Véronique van Haaften, General Secretary, former General Manager of DBA – Dutch Business Association.
These leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, a shared vision for the future, and a strong commitment to strengthening EU-Türkiye economic relations.
Objectives and key initiatives
The primary objectives of ETTIC include:
- Promoting Trade & Investment: ETTIC is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic relations by facilitating trade and investment flows between the EU and Türkiye. The Council seeks to support efforts to modernise the Customs Union, which has been a vital component of the EU-Türkiye economic partnership since its establishment.
- Advocating for European Businesses: By representing the interests of European companies operating in Türkiye, ETTIC aims to provide a unified voice that addresses challenges related to market access, regulatory barriers, and investment protection. The Council will also promote legislative and policy initiatives that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards to drive sustainable growth.
- Engagement and Collaboration: ETTIC is set to establish strong ties with key stakeholders, including the European Commission, European Parliament, EU trade associations, and think tanks. The Council plans to organise high-level meetings, working groups, and collaborative projects to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
ETTIC Engages European Policymakers in Brussels
The European-Turkish Trade and Investment Council (ETTIC) has commenced its visit to Brussels, taking place on 25–26 November 2024. During this visit, ETTIC aims to advance its mission by engaging with European policymakers and stakeholders through a comprehensive agenda.
Key Activities
ETTIC’s programme in Brussels includes:
- Introduction to ETTIC: Presenting the organisation’s vision, goals, and structure to European stakeholders, fostering understanding and cooperation.
- Customs Union Modernisation: Discussing steps needed to update and modernise the Customs Union agreement, seeking insights and support from EU officials.
- Strengthening EU-Türkiye Cooperation: Exploring collaborative opportunities in priority areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and sustainable development.
High-Level Engagements
The visit features meetings with the European Commission, prominent EU think tanks, diplomatic missions, and the press. These discussions are designed to align ETTIC’s initiatives with broader EU priorities and strengthen ties between the European Union and Türkiye.
Additionally, ETTIC is engaging with major business organisations, including BusinessEurope and Eurochambres, to amplify its efforts and foster partnerships that will promote mutual economic benefits.
The Brussels visit reflects ETTIC’s commitment to advancing strategic dialogue and collaboration between the EU and Türkiye, particularly in addressing shared challenges and opportunities in trade, investment, and sustainability. Further updates on the outcomes of these meetings are expected in the coming days.
Collaborative progress
Dr. Markus C. SLEVOGT
Chairperson
ETTIC – European Turkish Trade & Investment Council
Dr. Markus C. Slevogt, Chairperson of ETTIC, expressed the organisation’s aspirations:
“Our mission is clear: to build bridges that strengthen the economic and trade relations between Europe and Türkiye. By modernising the Customs Union, we can unlock significant economic potential and ensure a prosperous future for businesses on both sides. We believe that this endeavour requires the joint efforts of both European and Turkish stakeholders, and we are committed to playing an active role in this transformation.”
