Marta Kos highlights EU-Turkey trade potential and democratic concerns

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has emphasized the strategic importance of Turkey for Europe, noting that cooperation in transport and connectivity is vital for the European Union. Speaking in Edirne during the opening of the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule high-speed railway section, which aims to connect Istanbul to the Bulgarian border, Kos highlighted that bilateral trade could potentially exceed 400 billion euros, up from 218 billion euros last year.

To achieve this economic growth, Kos stated that the Customs Union must be modernized, trade barriers removed, and technical legislation aligned, requiring consensus from all 27 EU member states. However, she also expressed serious concerns regarding democratic standards, media freedom, and fundamental rights within Turkey.