The Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee published a press release on Friday on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Association Council decision that initiated the customs union between Turkey and the EU.
Released by Afif Demirkıran, a co-chair of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee and a deputy for Siirt from the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the document touches upon the mutual benefits enhanced by the implementation of the customs union.
However, Demirkıran urged for a revision to the customs union because Turkey is not a member of the EU and cannot take part in decision-making processes.
"Since membership was not achieved within a reasonable timeframe, the imperfections of the customs union have become clearer, and with the change in the global economy and trade, the customs union has become a less efficient instrument for trade day after day. Because we cannot participate in the decision-making process but are obliged to align with EU policy, our gains from the customs union membership steadily decline," he said in the press release.
Additionally, the necessity for Turkey's inclusion in the scope of the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP) and possible outcomes in positive terms are explained in the document. "The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the agreement presumed to be signed between the EU and the U.S., is of utmost importance for Turkey when the size of the two economies and the scope of the agreement are taken into account. Leaving Turkey out in the cold, while signing this agreement will bring economic burdens on Turkey and make us question the benefits of the customs union" he said in the document.
The EU and Turkey are linked by a customs union agreement that came in force on Dec. 31, 1995. While the EU is Turkey's number one import and export partner, Turkey ranks seventh in the EU's top import market and fifth in its export market.
