Summary Highlights

• Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appealed to the European Union to reform its Schengen visa policies.
• He emphasized that existing visa limitations hinder deeper economic ties and restrict the free movement of people.
• Erdogan further urged the EU to modernize and expand the Customs Union agreement to strengthen cooperation.

Türkiye has urged the European Union to urgently reform its Schengen visa policies to strengthen cooperation and support the country’s aspirations of joining the EU. Visa liberalisation remains a critical issue in the broader relationship between Türkiye and the European Union, seen as essential alongside ongoing accession efforts.

Currently, Turkish citizens must obtain a valid Schengen visa before entering any EU or Schengen Area country. This process often involves lengthy procedures, high costs, and significant bureaucratic hurdles. These visa restrictions have created substantial barriers that limit tourism, business, cultural exchange, and personal connections between Türkiye and Europe. The travel limitations affect not only individuals but also economic and social ties that both sides value highly.

High-level discussions between European and Turkish officials earlier this year put visa liberalisation and EU membership progress at the top of the agenda. Both sides agreed that easing visa requirements for Turkish nationals would foster closer ties and demonstrate meaningful advancement in Türkiye’s EU membership ambitions. Turkish representatives have repeatedly stressed that finalizing visa liberalisation is a key step toward building mutual trust and deepening integration across economic, social, and political domains.

The reform push seeks to simplify and speed up the visa issuance process to enable smoother travel for Turkish citizens. Removing or easing visa restrictions would encourage greater mobility for tourism, education, business trips, and family visits. This would reinforce the deep cultural and economic connections between Türkiye and European nations, which have historically been strong and mutually beneficial. Moreover, visa liberalisation aligns with Türkiye’s goal of harmonizing its policies and regulatory standards with those of the EU, facilitating closer cooperation on multiple levels.

Beyond visa matters, Türkiye continues to emphasize that joining the European Union remains a strategic national priority. EU membership is viewed as a catalyst for economic development, political stability, and enhanced global standing. The Turkish leadership calls for renewed energy and momentum in accession negotiations, highlighting the benefits both Türkiye and the EU stand to gain from successful integration.

Despite these positive appeals, progress on accession has been slow and complicated by challenges on both sides. The European Union has voiced concerns over issues such as rule of law, human rights, and political reforms within Türkiye, which have affected the pace of negotiations. At the same time, Turkish authorities argue that resolving the visa liberalisation issue would demonstrate goodwill and strengthen trust, potentially breaking through current stalemates.

The ongoing dialogue between Türkiye and the EU underscores the need for a balanced, constructive approach to resolve outstanding issues. Visa liberalisation is not simply a technical or administrative matter; it represents a broader symbol of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for the future. For Turkish citizens, gaining easier access to the Schengen Area would mark tangible progress, enhancing people-to-people contacts and fostering goodwill across borders.

Reforming Schengen visa regulations stands as a crucial element in enhancing the overall EU-Türkiye relationship. Swift resolution of visa liberalisation is necessary to complement continued efforts toward EU accession. Facilitating easier travel for Turkish nationals will deepen economic partnerships, promote social integration, and lay the groundwork for stronger collaboration between Türkiye and European countries.

As discussions move forward, both parties are encouraged to maintain active and constructive engagement. Achieving visa liberalisation and advancing accession talks require commitment, dialogue, and compromise. Success in these areas will not only benefit Türkiye and the European Union but also contribute positively to regional stability, prosperity, and cooperation.

Visa liberalisation remains a vital issue demanding urgent attention within the EU-Türkiye framework. Simplifying travel for Turkish nationals will help break down barriers, foster closer connections, and support the larger goal of Türkiye’s EU integration. Continued efforts on both sides will be key to unlocking new opportunities for partnership and mutual growth.

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