Turkish Trade Minister Calls for EU Visa Liberalisation
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has reiterated Ankara’s long-standing call for visa liberalisation with the European Union. His statement comes amidst ongoing discussions between Turkey and Brussels regarding visa-free travel for Turkish citizens, who have long faced difficulties obtaining Schengen visas for EU countries. This issue remains a significant point of friction and a strategic priority for strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
Minister Bolat highlighted the “Cascade Phased Visa Application” system, introduced last year, as a measure that has helped reduce visa queues and facilitate the issuance of longer-period visas. While acknowledging these changes as positive steps, he emphasised that they do not represent the ultimate goal of completely eliminating visa requirements for Turkish nationals.
For Turkey, visa liberalisation extends beyond convenience; it is a strategic imperative impacting the nation’s economic and social development. The EU stands as Turkey’s largest trading partner, and restrictive visa policies create barriers for businesspeople, investors, and entrepreneurs, hindering growth in bilateral trade volumes. Easier travel would also significantly boost tourism, education cooperation, and cultural exchange, fostering closer ties between the peoples of Turkey and the EU.
Turkey’s ambition for visa-free travel has been a core component of its broader European integration process for many years. Despite periodic discussions and roadmaps, concrete full liberalisation has remained elusive. Bolat’s message reinforces Ankara’s position that while current progress is welcome, it addresses only a partial aspect of the fundamental need for a more open and accessible relationship between Turkey and the European Union.
Source: Star
