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The European Union’s charge d’affaires to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilcinskas, said 2025 has been a particularly strong year for E.U.–Türkiye relations, citing high-level contacts, growing mobility and expanding trade.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ankara reviewing the past year in E.U.–Türkiye relations, Vilcinskas highlighted intensified diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
“2025 has been a very strong year for relations between the European Union and Türkiye,” he said.
Vilcinskas underlined progress in people and business mobility, noting that E.U. member state consulates in Türkiye are expected to process more than 1 million Schengen visa applications by the end of the year.
That figure places Türkiye second globally after China, while visa refusal rates remain below the global average.
He recalled the launch of the Cascade (gradual) visa system for Turkish citizens, adding that the system does not currently apply to truck drivers.
He said the practice is expected to significantly reduce appointment backlogs and waiting times at visa centers and consulates.
Vilcinskas added that the E.U. is ready to work with Turkish authorities on visa-free travel once the process is completed, stressing that Türkiye is the only E.U. candidate country without visa-free access.
Pointing to deepening economic ties, Vilcinskas said trade between the E.U. and Türkiye continues to grow.
He noted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Customs Union and said bilateral trade volume is expected to reach €230 billion by the end of the year.
Vilcinskas said the E.U. aims to support the safe and dignified return of Syrians to their country over the next three years and is working on coordinated migration policies to help Syrians rebuild their lives.
He described the construction of an inclusive and democratic Syria as a major opportunity to deepen E.U.–Türkiye relations.
“Building an inclusive and democratic Syria is a great opportunity to deepen relations and even the strategic partnership between the E.U. and Türkiye,” he said.
Highlighting Türkiye’s achievements in defense, Vilcinskas said there are significant opportunities for cooperation in defense and security.
Addressing questions about the European Security Action (SAFE) initiative, Vilcinskas said the €150 billion financing mechanism is designed to strengthen defense resilience among EU member states and Ukraine, while also being open to partners.
“Saying that Türkiye is excluded from SAFE would not be correct,” he said, adding that Türkiye has access to certain parts of the program.
He emphasized that defense, economic and political issues are interconnected and should be assessed together when considering the security interests of Türkiye and Europe.
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