Turkey excluded from EU initiative

Turkey has been excluded from the "Made in Europe" initiative, a new labeling system intended to highlight products made within the European Union. This exclusion has raised concerns among automotive industry professionals in France and Germany, who fear it could affect car prices across Europe.

Impact on car prices

A report suggests that the Renault Clio, a popular model in France, could become 1,800 euros more expensive due to the proposed rules. This potential price increase is linked to the exclusion of Turkey, a major hub for automotive manufacturing and supply chains in Europe.

Turkey's role in automotive supply

Turkey is a key player in the European automotive supply chain, hosting 14 major manufacturers, including Renault and Ford, as well as over 500 major suppliers. Nearly 550,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in this industry, with nearly three quarters of its exports going to the European Union.

Confusion in Turkey

The exclusion has caused confusion among professionals in Turkey. Kemal Yazici, president of the Turkish Association of Automotive Exporters, said the agreement does not align with Turkey's customs union or the 60 years of relations between Turkey and Europe. He warned that the agreement could disrupt supply chains and fail to meet the needs of all involved.

Economic implications

Turkey and the European Union exchange nearly 54 billion euros worth of vehicles and parts annually. The Renault mega-plant in Bursa assembles popular models like the Clio for the European market. According to Yazici, the price of cars in Europe could rise by 4 to 9%, depending on the models, which would be bad news for European consumers.

Future of the initiative

Turkey remains a crucial market for European manufacturers, with nearly 800,000 vehicles exported there last year. Ankara is still trying to influence the text during negotiations in Brussels, especially since countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, or Switzerland should be well integrated into "Made in Europe." A decisive vote is expected in the European Parliament around November 23, with a final adoption of these rules expected at the beginning of 2027.