Türkiye urges EU customs union update in talks with Spain

MADRID

Türkiye reiterated its call for an update of its customs union with the European Union during talks with Spain, while setting a medium-term target of raising annual bilateral trade to $25 billion.

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met Spain’s First Vice-President and Minister for Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo in Madrid on Aug. 5.

“We shared our expectations for updating the Customs Union, which forms the basis of our strong economic integration with EU member states, and making it work more effectively,” Bolat said following the meeting.

Spain is Türkiye’s fourth-largest trading partner within the EU. Bilateral trade reached $20.5 billion in 2025, according to Bolat.

The two ministers agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Spain Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Madrid this autumn, with business representatives from both countries expected to attend.

They also discussed public procurement and recent EU trade, competition and industrial policies, particularly the Industrial Accelerator Act.

Bolat said shaping these policies to include Türkiye would contribute to the EU’s competitiveness and Europe’s economic security.