EU Green Accord and Turkey's Compliance Strategy

EU Green Accord and Turkey's Compliance Strategy

The European Union (EU), enacted in 2019 EU Green Accord (European Green Deal) It has taken a leading role in the vision of global sustainability. By 2050 Carbon Neutral This comprehensive strategy, prepared with the goal of becoming a continent, restructures environmental, economic and commercial policies with a holistic approach.

However, this transformation is not limited to EU countries alone. All countries that trade with the EU – especially Turkey – must adapt quickly to the rules of a new era. Green transformation is no longer just a choice; it is a prerequisite for survival in global competition.

The Basic Components of the European Green Accord

1. Carbon Neutral Economy:
   Resetting greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 forms the backbone of the Covenant. This goal means radical transformations in every field, from energy production to industry.
2. Circular Economy:
   The efficient use of resources is based on recycling and extending the product lifecycle. Especially in the textile, packaging and electronics sectors, this model is about to become the norm.
3. Carbon Regulatory Mechanism at the Border (CBAM):
   This mechanism, which is scheduled to be fully implemented from 2026, will bring additional costs to carbon-intensive products from outside the EU. Iron-steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen and electricity are the first areas to be affected by this arrangement.
4. Green Financing and Incentives:
   The EU offers billions of euros of support mechanisms to accelerate the green transformation of the private sector. Projects that meet ESG criteria are more easily able to find funding.

Why does Turkey have to adapt during this time?

The EU is Turkey's largest trading partner. As of 2024, about 41% of its exports are made to the EU. Turkey's failure to comply with this agreement, only Facing carbon taxes at customs gates It doesn't mean. It is also Risk of exclusion from global value chains And it does.

1. Maintaining Competitiveness

Companies that cannot reduce their carbon footprint will not only experience a cost disadvantage, but will also fall into the unfavourable manufacturer position.

2. Access to Green Financing

EU funds, support from organisations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), are only turning to projects that meet sustainability criteria.

3. Commitment to Climate Commitments

Turkey's ratification of the Paris Agreement, its determination of a carbon neutral target for 2053, and preparations for climate law accelerate this process.

Sectors Most Affected

• Iron-steel, Aluminum and Cement: Sectors with the most carbon footprints under CBAM.
• Chemistry and Plastics: The transition to re-use of chemicals and environmentally friendly formulas is encouraged.
• Automotive: Areas such as electric vehicle infrastructure, battery generation, and the use of mitigated materials stand out.
• Textiles: The fast fashion era is closing; it is being replaced by sustainable materials, production and supply chain.
• Agriculture and Food: Standards such as organic production, pesticide use, and traceability in animal products stand out.
  

5 Strategic Compliance Steps for Turkish Exporters

1. Calculate, Reduce, Report Carbon Footprint
   Carbon accounting and transparent reporting are no longer just corporate social responsibility; they are part of commercial trust.
   
2. Install Circular Production Chain
   Businesses that reduce waste, use recyclable packaging and sustainable raw materials stand out.
   
3. Complete Certificates and Standards
   Documents such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, EPD, Cradle to Cradle have become visas for export.
   
4. Active Handle Green Financing
   KOSGEB, TÜBİTAK, Development Agencies and EU programs prioritize green transformation projects.
   
5. Invest in Digitalization and Intelligent Technology
   With IoT, artificial intelligence, energy monitoring systems, it is now possible – and necessary – to manage energy and resource consumption in real time.
   

Turkey's Policy Stand and Corporate Moves

Green Covenant Action Plan (2021) is Turkey's most important strategy document in the process. In this plan:

• Integration into carbon regulation at the border,
• Proliferation of Green OSBs,
• Establishment of the emission trading system,
• Carbon-reducing solutions stand out in logistics and transportation.
  

As of 2024 Climate Law draft, National emissions trading system (ETS) and environmental product declaration (EPD) requirement Steps like that are on the agenda.

Conclusion: Not Harmony, Evolution

The EU Green Accord, not just a regulation, a new economic paradigmIt is. For Turkey, adapting to this process is not just about staying in the EU market; It is about managing global competitiveness, sustainable development and environmental responsibility together.

The future prefers the green one. Turkish exporters also To transform from today If it doesn't, they will risk losing not only their place but their assets in the market tomorrow.